Italy claimed their first Billie Jean King Cup identify in 11 years as Jasmine Paolini wrapped up a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Malaga.
Paolini, who has loved a step forward 2024 season, used to be a part of the Italian group that completed runners-up to Canada twelve months in the past.
The sector quantity 4 gained 6-2 6-1 in opposition to Rebecca Sramkova after Lucia Bronzetti had put Italy forward with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Viktoria Hruncakova within the first singles fit.
“I at all times dreamed about this trophy,” stated Bronzetti, who used to be enjoying simply her 2d singles fit within the pageant.
“We’re the international champions, we will be able to be a lot happier. This is a dream of all of ours and we’re so proud.”
Italy, who will earn $2.4m (£1.9m) in prize cash for successful their 5th identify, have change into a tennis powerhouse lately, with the boys’s group – led through international primary Jannik Sinner – successful its first Davis Cup in 47 years in 2023.
“I believe it is an out of this world yr for Italian tennis and it is so just right for our recreation in our nation,” Paolini instructed journalists.
“We now have a large number of fanatics of tennis in Italy now, tennis is rising so much.”
Captain Tathiana Garbin stated: “It is a dream come true. I’ve such nice champions, nice gamers, and nice human beings.
“I’m so pleased with them. They try each day.”
Slovakia, who knocked Nice Britain out on Tuesday, have been enjoying of their first ultimate since they gained the event in 2002.
