Italian tennis is surely on fire, and it’s not only Sinner making headlines. The women in Team Italy claimed the Billie Jean King Cup title yesterday with a solid 2-0 final win over Slovakia.
It’s the first success for the Italians at the tournament since 2013 but the fifth one in total (previous wins in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013). Lucia Bronzetti put them in the lead with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Viktoria Hruncakova followed by Paolini’s impressive 6-2, 6-1 victory over Rebecca Sramkova.
Olympic doubles champion Jasmine Paolini has enjoyed a great season and this was the perfect way to cap it off. The 28-year-old reached the final in both French Open and Wimbledon as well as claimed her biggest trophy yet, the Dubai WTA 1000 event. These results got her to world no 4 where she will end this season after having started the year ranked No. 30.
WORLD CHAMPIONS!! ?? pic.twitter.com/LnqMkFKems
— Jasmine Paolini (@JasminePaolini) November 20, 2024
“An unbelievable year, a crazy year. To finish like this, a title in the Billie Jean King Cup; it’s amazing. I don’t have words to describe it. … I’m really happy that we could bring the top trophy home.” commented Paolini after the win on Wednesday.
Lucia Bronzetti had never played a Billie Jean King Cup singles match before this week in Malaga. She came into the tournament at the semi’s and won in straight set, just as in the final.
Italy team captain Tathiana Garbin seems to have created a great group of players who really enjoy it on the court.
“I have to say again how proud (I am) of these human beings, not just the champions they are.” said Garbin.
Slovakia was the surprise of the event and took out big nations on the way to the final, but could not stop the talents of the Italian team.
As for the moment, Italy has both the men’s and women’s world cup titles, at least for a few more days…. Over to the Davis Cup to see if Sinner and co can defend their title!
