Jasmine Paolini has praised her WTA rival Qinwen Zheng ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup tie between Italy and China.
The two heavyweights will meet in the quarterfinals of the team competition, which Italy have won in each of the last two seasons. They defeated Slovakia in the final of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, and successfully defended their title against the USA in 2025.
But now the two-time defending champions face a tough opener against China, with WTA stars Paolini and Zheng potentially going head-to-head during the tie, which the Italian has now previewed.
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Jasmine Paolini expects ‘high level’ from Qinwen Zheng at the Billie Jean King Cup
Looking back on Italy’s 2-0 win over China at the same stage in 2025, Paolini said: “I think last year was a tough one. This year it’s going to be a tough one, as well. Qinwen, she played amazing in the US Open. We expect really high level of tennis from her. I think also the support from the Chinese fans will be great for them. Hopefully we are going to have some fans, as well.
“But yeah, she’s a great player. Very powerful. She can play really well on every surface. It’s going to be a tough match. Hopefully I can play a really good level of tennis. Hopefully I can play a great match and can be a great battle.”
Zheng enters the tournament on the back of a fantastic run at the US Open, where the Chinese ace reached the quarterfinals. After making it through qualifying, Zheng beat Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys before losing to eventual champion Elena Rybakina. She also boasts a superb head-to-head record against Paolini, winning all four of their meetings so far.
READ MORE: Qinwen Zheng’s coach criticised after what he failed to do during her match with Elena Rybakina at the US Open
Jasmine Paolini hopeful for success in China
Paolini also played at the US Open in New York, where she suffered a disappointing third round defeat against Sorana Cirstea. But she is feeling hopeful of a positive trip to China, having really impressed in the region last year.
Asked if anything sticks in her mind from her time playing there last time out, she said: “Yes, definitely my nickname. The last season here in China, had a really great result from winning the Billie Jean King, but also the tournaments after this competition were really good for me.
“Looking forward to play matches here. Hopefully it’s going to be a long season here in China. Yeah, really, really enjoy being here. Yeah, I’m looking forward to play.”
Paolini played a central role as Italy clinched the Billie Jean King Cup title in 2025, but she also reached the China Open quarterfinals, the Wuhan Open semifinals, and the Ningbo Open semifinals.
After that, the three-time WTA champion made an appearance at the WTA Finals. For now, however, her focus is firmly on the upcoming tie with China, after which the winner will play against the winner of Ukraine versus Belgium in the semifinals.
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