Italy Wins First Billie Jean King Cup in 11 Years

Italy secured their first Billie Jean King Cup title in 11 years with Jasmine Paolini clinching a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Malaga. Paolini, who had a standout 2024 season sealed the victory by dominating Rebecca Sramkova 6-2, 6-1 after Lucia Bronzetti put Italy ahead with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Viktoria Hruncakova in the opening singles match. The victory gave Italy their fifth title and they will receive $2.4 million in prize money.

Bronzetti, who played just her second singles match in the competition, expressed her joy: “We are the world champions… It is a dream of all of ours, and we are so proud.” Paolini, reflecting on Italy’s growing success in tennis, said, “It’s an unbelievable year for Italian tennis… tennis is growing a lot.” Italy’s men’s team led by world number one Jannik Sinner also made history by winning their first Davis Cup in 47 years in 2023.

Captain Tathiana Garbin praised her team, saying, “It’s a dream come true. I have such great champions, great players and great human beings. I am so proud of them.” Slovakia, who played in their first final since their 2002 victory, fought hard but ultimately fell short against the Italians. Paolini ranked 30th last year has had a remarkable 2024 reaching the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon and winning Olympic doubles gold with Sara Errani.

She delivered the decisive win over Sramkova, who had been in excellent form, ensuring Italy’s victory without the need for a deciding doubles match. Paolini celebrated the achievement, calling it “an unbelievable year” and the perfect way to cap off a historic season for Italian tennis.