The Albany Gazette - Italy beat Slovenia to clinch BJK Cup final spot

Italy, who last won the competition 10 years ago, triumphed in both semi-final singles rubbers to wrap up victory before the doubles.

Martina Trevisan eased past Kaja Juvan 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 before Jasmine Paolini sealed the win with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 triumph over Tamara Zidansek.

"I'm really happy and really proud of my team, it was a really tough match today, a little bit of a rollercoaster," said Paolini.

"I'm so happy for my country, my team and everybody who is cheering for us and working for us to make the week better."

Paolini said regardless of whether Italy face Canada or the Czech Republic in the final, who play later Saturday in the second semi-final, it would be a difficult clash.

"We'll try to do our best, it's gonna be tough for sure, Canada and the Czech Republic are really strong teams," she added.

"We'll go on court and give 100 per cent and we'll see what happens."

Trevisan saved a set point in the tie-break at the end of the first set, and then converted her fourth match point to take the first rubber.

Zidansek double faulted on break point to hand Paolini a 5-3 lead in the decisive third set and she served out to clinch the match and the tie.

"I cannot ask for more, I am more than happy for them and more than proud, I'm a lucky captain," said Italian captain Tathiana Garbin.

(F.Jackson--TAG)