Defending champions Italy advanced to the Billie Jean King Cup finals after defeating Japan 3-1 in the qualifiers on Saturday. The clinching doubles match saw Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani outclass Eri Hozumi and Shuko Aoyama 6-2, 7-5 on clay in Velletri, outside Rome. Meanwhile, 2025 runner-up United States was eliminated 3-1 by Belgium.
Italy clinched their spot in the women's team tournament finals with a 3-1 win over Japan on clay in Velletri, outside Rome. The Italians, seeking a third straight title, sealed the tie when Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani defeated Eri Hozumi and Shuko Aoyama 6-2, 7-5 in doubles.
The United States, finalists last year for the first time since 2018, fell 3-1 to Belgium in Ostend. Already down 2-0 from Friday's singles by Hanne Vandewinkel and Elise Mertens, Caty McNally and Nicole Melichar won doubles in straight sets. But 149th-ranked Greet Minnen upset 16th-ranked Iva Jovic 7-5, 6-3 to secure victory for Belgium. "We are such a small country and it means a lot," Mertens said. "First of all, however, we are going to celebrate tonight."
Britain defeated Australia 3-1 in Melbourne, Kazakhstan beat 2023 champions Canada 3-1 in Astana, and Ukraine advanced 4-0 over Poland in Gliwice for the second straight year. Spain and the Czech Republic also qualified, while host China advanced automatically. The finals will be held in Shenzhen in September.
