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
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:
