Ukraine reach first Billie Jean King Cup final

Ukraine have reached the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time after ending Italy’s campaign in the semi-finals. The result puts them one win from the title and denies Italy the chance to complete a third successive triumph in the competition.

Anhelina Kalinina gave Ukraine the lead against Tyra Caterina Grant, winning 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes. Kalinina, ranked 48th in the world, overcame the 150th-ranked Italian in two sets. Elina Svitolina then completed the tie by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 in 64 minutes.

Svitolina controlled the second semi-final from the start, taking two early breaks in each set and leaving Paolini with no route back into the contest. The Ukrainian, ranked seventh, secured victory with her first match point. Paolini, the world number 20, could not give Italy the response it needed after Kalinina’s opening win.

Ukraine will face the Czech Republic for the trophy on Sunday. The victory marks a major step for the Ukrainian team, which had never previously reached the competition’s final, while Italy’s bid for a third consecutive title ends in Shenzhen.