BJK Cup 2025: A heroic Paolini overturns Svitolina, Ukraine and Italy tied before the decisive doubles match

In a thrilling match at the BJK Cup, Jasmine Paolini managed to overturn Elina Svitolina after being a set and a break down, leveling in this exciting semi-final between Ukraine and Italy.

After Marta Kostyuk's victory against Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Ukraine was in a good position to reach its first final in the BJK Cup. The group led by Illya Marchenko needed just one more win to overcome the reigning champion, Italy. However, Elina Svitolina first had to finish the task against Jasmine Paolini, whom she had already defeated twice this year, at the Australian Open and then at Roland-Garros.

The match indeed started perfectly for the Ukrainian, who managed to establish her game against a quickly overwhelmed opponent. The scenario seemed to repeat in the second set, where Svitolina pulled ahead to lead 6-3, 4-2, 40/30 on her serve. It was then that Paolini came back, stringing together four consecutive games against a player who grew increasingly hesitant as the match progressed.

Much more solid in the third set, Paolini controlled the game in the deciding set. Trailing 0-1, she saved numerous break points in her first service game, which lasted nearly 17 minutes, before breaking.

Despite a break back by Svitolina at 4-3, Paolini did not relent and eventually wrapped it up (3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2h25). This is Paolini’s first win against her opponent of the day in three encounters. She ties the score at 1 win each and sends both nations to the decisive doubles match.

"We are still alive! I would like to thank the Italian supporters who pushed, who stayed behind me until the end. It's always tough against Elina (Svitolina), they are always great battles.

But, for now, I am glad we are still here, ready to fight,” Paolini declared on court after her victory. The Italian will now play the doubles match with Sara Errani against sisters Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok.