Preview: Japan v Italy

Both nations are competing for a place in the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge semi-finals – something that Italy have achieved much more recently than Japan.

Italy finished as the runners-up last year, losing out in the final to a rampant Canada, but will have high hopes of going one better this time with a similar team to that on show 12 months ago.

Japan last reached the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals in 1996 when they suffered a 5-0 defeat to eventual champions USA. Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport both won two singles matches apiece for the Americans.

The victor between Japan and Italy will face either Spain, Poland or Czechia for a place in the 2024 final.

This will be the first meeting between the two nations in Billie Jean King Cup history.

Japan enter the tie following a barnstorming triumph over Romania in the opening showdown of the 2024 Finals, meaning they have lost just one of their previous 14 matches in the competition.

Some of those were at regional level but Japan have shown they can mix it on the big stage and Thursday’s victory, sealed courtesy of doubles success for Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi, highlighted their credentials.

The clash with Japan will be Italy’s first since their showdown with Canada in the 2023 final when singles wins for Marina Stakusic and Leylah Fernandez pushed a first title-win for the Italians since 2013 out of reach.

Billie Jean King Cup has always been an arena for less-heralded players to make a name for themselves and Ena Shibahara may be the latest to do just that.

The 26-year-old already boasted a fantastic Billie Jean King Cup record prior to Japan’s victory over Romania on Thursday, having won eight of her nine matches contested.

Victory over Jaqueline Cristian, however, was her first competition win in singles, and in beating the world No. 73 she recorded the biggest victory of her career so far. Shibahara is most definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Italy have some fantastic options but in terms of players to keep tabs on, look no further than Jasmine Paolini who currently boasts a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the WTA Rankings.

Paolini will surely be key if Italy are to triumph here in Malaga.

Italy captain Tathiana Garbin: “We [are] very proud to be here again in this special event that we love so much. Last year was a tough final, but we always have a great time when we’re together. We enjoy very much this competition, because it's part of the higher place where you can stay as a team. I'm very proud to have my team all here in great form and ready to jump in for this competition.

Shuko Aoyama (JPN) following Japan’s doubles victory against Romania: “I was very ready to play and fight until the end. I started to play really well. Obviously there was a little bit of pressure but I didn't feel much pressure. I'm very happy that I played well.”