Paolini leads Italy's comeback win over Japan to reach Billie Jean King Cup semis

Italy now awaits winner of quarterfinal between Poland and Czech Republic

Image | Jasmine Paolini

Caption: Jasmine Paolini, pictured in this file photo, was key to Italy's comeback win over Japan in the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup on Saturday in Malaga, Spain. (Alberto Pezzali/The Associated Press)

Jasmine Paolini won her singles and doubles to lead Italy past Japan 2-1 and back into the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup on Saturday in Malaga, Spain.
The fourth-ranked Paolini, a finalist at Wimbledon and the French Open, defeated Moyuka Uchijima 6-3, 6-4 to level the tie 1-1. She then went right back onto the indoor hard court in Malaga to help Sara Errani beat Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi 6-3, 6-4 to seal the quarterfinal win.
Japan took the early lead when Ena Shibahara defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Italy, which lost last year's final to Canada, awaits the winner of the quarterfinal between Poland and the Czech Republic.

Canada opens play Sunday

Britain will face defending champion Canada in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
WATCH l Canada wins 1st-ever Billie Jean King Cup title in 2023:

Media Video | The National : Canada's tennis stars win country's first Billie Jean King Cup

Caption: Leylah Fernandez led Canada to its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup win — the most prestigious tennis title in women's international team play.

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