Jasmine Paolini Leads Italy To Fifth Billie Jean King Cup Title

Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the 5th time as Jasmine Paolini beatRebecca Sramkova to safeguard a leading 2-0 gain Slovakia onWednesday World number 4 Paolini thrived 6-2, 6-1 in the 2nd songs rubber to comply with up Lucia Bronzetti’s 6-2, 6-4 triumph versusViktoria Hruncakova Italy were runners-up to Canada in in 2015’s last yet went one far better in Malaga to come to be globe champs for the very first time considering that 2013.

The triumph topped a sensational year for Paolini that ended up 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,” claimed 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 actually delighted that this year we can bring the prize home once more.”

Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.

The underdogs defeated USA, Australia and Great Britain on a stunning run to this year’s final, but Bronzetti breezed past Hruncakova in under 90 minutes.

The in-form Sramkova, ranked 43rd, survived two break points to hold for 2-2 in the first set but the superior Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead, which she consolidated.

The Slovakian double faulted to hand Paolini two set points and the Italian took the first of them when Sramkova slapped a shot into the net.

Paolini broke in the second game of the second set and it looked like she might power to victory without a fight, but Sramkova immediately hit back to get back on serve.

Sramkova defeated Danielle Collins, Ajla Tomljanovic and Katie Boulter on Slovakia’s charge to the final but Paolini was a bridge too far.

The 28-year-old Italian restored her advantage with a fizzing forehand to move 3-1 ahead and then consolidated.

Having spent most of her career outside the top 50, 2024 has been a huge leap forward for Paolini.

She broke again when Sramkova went long and served it out to seal an emphatic victory in one hour and five minutes.

” I really feel so unfortunate currently, dissatisfied, yet all regard to (Italy), of what they did,” a deflated Sramkova told reporters.

“Maybe in a couple of days we will certainly appreciate that we are 2nd and take something for the future from those suits.”

– ‘Dream come true’ –

In the first match world number 78 Bronzetti denied the experienced Hruncakova the chance to use her power and forced her opponent to move around the court.

” I am really honored to be below, to stand for Italy and I am so delighted for this win,” said Bronzetti.

“(The strategy was) to strike the round, remain strong and attempt to relocate her when I had the possibility.”

Bronzetti secured three breaks in the first set, conceding just one in her first service game as she hit her stride.

Hruncakova, ranked 159th, battled gamely in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 lead, but the Italian immediately hit back, winning the last four games to triumph.

Bronzetti sealed her victory serving to love when the Slovakian sent a return long, before Paolini finished the job for Italy.

“For currently the feelings are a little unfortunate yet we require to take a look at the entire image and what we did below was in fact fantastic,” said Hruncakova.

“Before the competition if a person informed this to us we would certainly be delighted.”

Italy, captained by Tathiana Garbin, defeated Iga Swiatek’s Poland as well as Japan at the finals on the way to winning the tournament dubbed the ‘World Cup of Tennis’.

“It’s a desire come to life … I’m so happy with the (gamers), they battle each day and this trip was amazing,” said Garbin.

“(They) never ever surrender and remained concentrated on the objective and they still maintain attempting to function to be far better individuals and gamers.”

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