Pegula and Navarro lead the US past Britain into the Billie Jean King Cup final vs. Italy
Pegula and Navarro lead the US past Britain into the Billie Jean King Cup final vs. Italy
SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro each came from a set down to win their singles matches and the United States defeated Britain 2-0 on Saturday to reach the Billie Jean King Cup final.
The U.S. will face defending champion Italy in Sunday’s final.
The seventh-ranked Pegula rallied past Katie Boulter 3-6 6-4 6-2 to seal it for the Americans after the 18th-ranked Navarro beat Sonay Kartal 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Pegula is coming off a run to the U.S. Open semifinals.
The BJK Cup was formerly known as the Fed Cup, and the U.S. is the most successful team as an 18-time winner — but hasn’t won since 2017.
The Americans’ last final came in 2018.
The Italians are led by No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, with No. 91 Elisabetta Cocciaretto also playing singles.
Both squads have strong doubles teams. Italy has Olympic champions Paolini and Sara Errani. Pegula and top-ranked doubles player Taylor Townsend line up for the U.S.
The best-of-three contests feature two singles matches followed by a potentially decisive doubles match.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
