The United States reached their first Billie Jean King Cup final since 2018 after comeback victories from Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro secured a 2-0 win over Great Britain in Shenzhen on Saturday.
Navarro set the tone with a gritty 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Sonay Kartal before world No. 7 Pegula clinched the tie, rallying past Katie Boulter 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
The result puts the USA into the final of the women’s world team championship for a record 31st time. They will face defending champions Italy on Sunday, chasing what would be a historic 19th title.
Pegula Relishes New Experience
Pegula, who made her BJK Cup debut in 2019, admitted the occasion means a lot to her and the team.
“It’s the first time I will be in the final,” she said. “I think everybody
on the team, it’ll be our first time. So it’ll be a new experience for us but there’s no one else I’d rather share it with. We’re excited to be back and hopefully take the title.”
Boulter, ranked 55 in the world and boasting a 14-6 Cup singles record, made the American work hard. The Brit raced through the opening set in 36 minutes, breaking Pegula twice. The American clawed back in the second and, as Boulter’s errors mounted, took control of the decider.
“I had to just find a way to compete,” said Pegula. “Watching my teammate Emma win earlier definitely motivated me a lot and inspired me.”
Navarro Sets the Tone
Earlier, Navarro produced a stirring fightback against Kartal. The Brit took the first set and led by a break in the second, but Navarro rallied to level before closing out the decider with sharp angles and smart shot selection.
“I feel a ton of pride playing for my country,” Navarro said. “It means the world to me to be able to have the American flag on my chest. I never give up anyway, but I’ll especially never give up when I have the American flag on my chest.”
For Great Britain, it was a familiar heartbreak—this marked their third semi-final exit in the last four years.
(with AFP inputs)
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