Paolini's Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup
The Hindu
Italy wins Billie Jean King Cup for fifth time, Paolini secures dominant 2-0 victory over Slovakia in Malaga.
Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday (November 20, 2024).
World number four Paolini triumphed 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles rubber to follow up Lucia Bronzetti's 6-2, 6-4 victory against Viktoria Hruncakova.
Italy were runners-up to Canada in last year's final but went one better in Malaga to become world champions for the first time since 2013.
The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King Cup; it’s amazing; I don’t have words to describe it,” said Paolini.
“I’m trying just to enjoy it; it’s important to understand where you are. I feel lucky to be in this position. I feel lucky to be part of this team... I’m really happy that this year we could bring the trophy home again,” she added.
Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.
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