Jasmine Paolini made a deeply honest admission following Italy's Billie Jean King Cup triumph as the top-ranked Italian female tennis player admitted that they "did not expect" to beat the United States.
In the opening match of the final, 2024 US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro entered as the big favorite to beat Elisabetta Cocciaretto. But it didn't happen as the 91st-ranked Italian upset the American 6-4 6-4.
Next on the court were world No. 7 Paolini and eighth-ranked Jessica Pegula. Going into the match, Paolini had been 0-5 in her matches against Pegula. But that changed on Sunday after the Italian sealed a 6-4 6-2 win.
By overcoming the United States, Italy pulled off back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup titles and they now have six titles in the competition overall.
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Paolini: We didn't expect to beat the United States in the Billie Jean King Cup final
"It was so tough. This year we played amazing teams. Today against the United Statesit was really tough. Honestly, we didnt expect to win because they are so strong and they play amazing tennis. Thats why were really happy about this win, because we knew it would be difficult. I dont know if this year is even more special than last yearits different. But honestly, I didnt expect this," Paolini admitted.
En route to winning this year's Billie Jean King Cup, Italy also beat Kazakhstan, Great Britain, and Ukraine. Paolini also took a moment to acknowledge the host city, Shenzhen, and the crowd.
"I also want to thank the tournament director and, of course, Billie Jean King. This competition is amazing. Its very well organized here in China, as always, and it was a lovely week here in Shenzhen. I just want to thank everybodyit was unbelievable," the top-ranked Italian female tennis playersaid.
