Italy Lift Fifth Billie Jean King Cup

November 20, 2024

Italian Jasmine Paolini celebrates after defeating Slovak Rebecca Sramkova in the Billie Jean King Cup, securing the tournament victory for her country.

On Wednesday, Paolini and Bronzetti led Italy to their fifth Billie Jean King Cup title, defeating Slovakia 2-0 in the championship match in Malaga, Spain. This marks Italy’s first title since 2013, while Slovakia’s last victory was in 2002.

Lucia Bronzetti, ranked 78th, kicked off the finals day with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Slovakia’s Viktoria Hruncakova, ranked 238, in just 1 hour and 21 minutes. Following her, World No. 4 Jasmine Paolini sealed the win for Italy with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 performance against world No. 43 Rebecca Sramkova, finishing the match in 65 minutes.

With this victory, Italy added another prestigious trophy to their remarkable Billie Jean King Cup legacy. The nation first claimed the title in 2006, with subsequent victories in 2009, 2010, and 2013. Their win in Malaga surpasses their runner-up finish last year, when they were defeated by first-time champions Canada. This also marked Italy’s second consecutive victory over Slovakia, having eliminated them in the qualifying rounds the previous year.

Bronzetti’s cruised through the opening set of the match, converting three of five break points. However, Hruncakova  fought back from an early deficit in the second set to lead 4-2, 40-15. Bronzetti was not to be denied, winning the last four games by employing powerful returns to claim victory.

“It was not easy, because we are in the final so every match is tough, but I’m very happy to bring this point to Italy. We all want this trophy, and it is our dream, all Italians,” Bronzetti said on court after her win.

The second match of the finals featured Jasmine Paolini and Rebecca Sramkova, both of whom had a breakout year. Paolini reached two Grand Slam finals at the French Open and Wimbledon, won the WTA 1000 title in Dubai, and claimed Olympic gold in doubles with her Billie Jean King Cup teammate Sara Errani. Meanwhile, Sramkova secured her first WTA singles title and reached two additional finals.

After a tight start, Paolini gained control midway through the first set, breaking Sramkova at 4-2 and moving ahead 5-2 with a stunning backhand. Paolini then won six consecutive games, quickly taking a 6-2, 2-0 lead. Though Sramkova broke back briefly, Paolini quickly regained her momentum and closed out the match with ease.

“Unbelievable, a crazy year. To finish like this, a title at Billie Jean King Cup, it’s amazing. I don’t have words to describe it,” Paolini commented after clinching the title for her squad

Italian captain Tathiana Garbin expressed immense pride in her team, “It’s really a dream come true. I have such great champions, great players, but mostly, great human beings. I’m so proud of them, they fight every day.”