Jasmine Paolini and Lucia Bronzetti were the standout players for Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup final.
Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup (via X)
Italy earned $2.4 million (£1.9 million) in prize money after winning their first Billie Jean King Cup title in 11 years. The team defeated Slovakia 2-0 in the final held in Malaga, marking their fifth title in the tournament’s history.
Jasmine Paolini, who had a stellar 2024 season, sealed the victory with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over Rebecca Sramkova. The Italian team were seen standing alongside the $2.4 million cheque in the trophy ceremony.
Earlier in the day, Lucia Bronzetti gave Italy the lead by defeating Viktoria Hruncakova 6-2, 6-4 in the first singles match. This victory highlights Italy’s growing strength in tennis. Their men’s team, led by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, also made history by winning the Davis Cup in 2023 after a 47-year drought. Paolini’s role was especially significant, as she was part of the team that finished as runners-up to Canada just last year.
For Slovakia, this was their first Billie Jean King Cup final since their 2002 championship. Despite eliminating Great Britain earlier in the tournament, they were unable to overcome a dominant Italian squad in the title match.
Jasmine Paolini wraps up memorable year with Italy win
Jasmine Paolini was ranked 30th last year when she lost to Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the Billie Jean King Cup final. At the time, she had never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam. However, her 2024 season has been extraordinary.
The 28-year-old reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this year. She also won Olympic doubles gold in Paris with teammate Sara Errani. Paolini celebrated Italy’s title by joyfully skipping around the court with her teammates after sealing the win.
Rebecca Sramkova, ranked 43rd, had been in excellent form throughout the tournament. She defeated World No. 11 Danielle Collins and rallied to beat British No. 1 Katie Boulter. However, against Paolini, she struggled with consistency and committed 28 unforced errors. Paolini capitalized and won four straight games to claim the victory.
Paolini’s win meant Italy secured the title without needing a deciding doubles match. It also denied Errani the chance to make her 50th Billie Jean King Cup appearance.
