US fights back to set up BJK Cup final with Italy

The US reached the BJK Cup finals for the first time in seven years on Saturday and will face off against Italy in the final in Shenzhen,

Both Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula needed to go the distance with fightbacks in their singles matches to clinch a title match spot for the Americans, who defeated Britain in their semi-final.

Navarro began the tie with a win against Sonay Kartal 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 who led their contest by a set and a break.

2024 US Open finalist Pegula needed to rally to complete her 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 result over Katie Boulter which guaranteed a place in the final.    

Italy and the US have played 11 times in the competition’s previous incarnations as the Fed Cup – which began in 1963 – with their last meeting coming in 1992.

The US has reached the final a record 31 times.

Should the US defeat holder Italy, it would mark a 19th title for the north Americans.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been into a final, the first time “we all have been” Pegula said.

“We’re happy about today. We’ve got to regroup and be ready for Italy.

“We’re just really enjoying the moment, it’s a privilege to be amongst all these girls and to experience it.”

Added Boulter: “I always love walking out there and playing for my country, for me it’s where I get my biggest wins and my lowest losses, as well.

“(Today will) motivate me for a very long time. I can’t expect myself to win every time.

“But I’m actually at a stage where I expect myself to win those matches, which is why it hurts more.”

Should the US defeat holder Italy, it would mark a 19th title for the north Americans.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been into a final, the first time (we) all have been,” Pegula said.