Paolini powers through to send Italy into final

Jasmine Paolini "gave everything" for Italy on Nov 18, and it paid off for her on a tough day at the Martin Carpena Arena.

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The Italians reached a second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Iga Swiatek's Poland in Malaga, much thanks to Paolini's determination.

Swiatek came from a set down to beat the Italian in her singles rubber, but the latter earned immediate revenge over the five-time Grand Slam winner in the deciding doubles clash.

Paolini and veteran Sara Errani overcame Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa 7-5, 7-5 to send the four-time champions through to the final on Nov 20, when they will face either Britain or Slovakia.

In the opening singles rubber, Italy's Lucia Bronzetti beat Magda Linette 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). That was followed by Swiatek's battle with Paolini, which ran over 2½ hours and saw the Pole win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.