Italy claims fifth Billie Jean King Cup title with 2-0 win over Slovakia

Jasmine Paolini led Italy to its first Billie Jean King Cup title since their last victory in 2013, 11 years back. The World No.4 ranked player headlined the campaign where Italy picked it's 5 BJK Cup glory. Italy commenced the final draw against Slovakia in Malaga with Lucia Bronzetti defeating Viktoria Hruncakova 6-2, 6-4. Paolini then wrapped up the proceedings within 2 games as she registered a thumping 6-2, 6-1 victory over Rebecca Sramkova in the final singles fixture. Italy, who ended up as the runners up against Canada in the tournament last year, improved as they sent the 2002 champions packing in Malaga. 

Jasmine Paolini leads Italy to fifth Billie Jean King Cup title in Malaga

Jasmine Paolini endured a rather successful run on the WTA Tour this season, finishing up as the finalist at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon Open. The Italian kept up her form as Italy earned the chance to better their last noted standing of ending up as the runners up at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. As Lucia Bronzetti set the tone for Italy, Paolini exploited the 1-0 advantage over Slovakia. The World No.4 ranked player squared off against Rebecca Sramkova to clinch a dominating victory in Malaga over the Slovakian. As Paolini beat Sramkova 6-2, 6-1, Italy won its first title since 2013. The 2024 victory, furthermore, marked Italy's fifth claim over the trophy with the country having won previously in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2013 respectively.

"It’s really a dream come true," Italian captain Tathiana Garbin said following the victory. "I have such great champions, great players, but mostly, great human beings. I’m so proud of them, they fight every day."

Slovakia, champions in 2002, entered the final unbeaten in BJK Cup ties on Spanish soil, having upset heavyweights USA, Australia, and Great Britain. However, Bronzetti’s efficient win over Hruncakova in under 90 minutes set the tone for Italy's triumph. In the second match, Sramkova, ranked 43rd, fought hard early on, holding serve at 2-2 in the opening set. But Paolini’s quality soon shone through, as she secured a crucial break for 4-2 and capitalized on a double fault by Sramkova to claim the first set. Although Sramkova broke back early in the second set, Paolini regained control with a forehand winner to go 3-1 up and never looked back.

“It’s unbelievable, amazing, I don’t have words to describe how I feel right now, it’s just incredible,” Paolini said. “I think we played an unbelievable week and I’m so proud of how we did it in every match. I’m very happy that this year we finally were able to bring the title back to Italy,” the world number four added.