Billie Jean King Cup 2024: Italy win first title since 2013 with 2-0 victory over Slovakia
Jasmine Paolini beat Slovakia 2-0 in Malaga as Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in 11 years.
Paolini has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, having been part of the Italian squad that finished runners-up to Canada 12 months ago.
In the first singles match, Lucia Bronzetti gave Italy the lead with a 6-2 6-4 win over Victoria Hrenchakova, with the world No. 4 taking the lead 6-2 6-4. 1 defeated Rebecca Slamkova.
“I’ve always dreamed of this trophy,” said Bronzetti, who was playing her second singles match of the tournament.
“We are world champions and we can be happier. This is a dream for all of us and we are very proud.”
Italy, who will pocket $2.4m (£1.9m) for their fifth title, have emerged as a tennis powerhouse in recent times, with the men’s team led by world number one Jannik Sinner winning 47 in 2017. First Davis Cup in years. 2023.
“I think it’s been an incredible year for Italian tennis and very good for the sport in our country,” Paolini told reporters.
“There are many tennis enthusiasts in Italy now and the sport is booming.”
Captain Tathiana Garbin said: “This is a dream come true. I have such great champions, great players and great people.
“I’m so proud of them. They fight every day.”
Slovakia, who knock Britain out of the game On Tuesday, it was their first final since winning the tournament in 2002.
