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Italy claimed their first Billie Jean King Cup title in 11 years as Jasmine Paolini wrapped up a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Malaga.<\/b><\/p>\n
Paolini, who has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, was part of the Italian team that finished runners-up to Canada 12 months ago.<\/p>\n
The world number four won 6-2 6-1 against Rebecca Sramkova after Lucia Bronzetti had put Italy ahead with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Viktoria Hruncakova in the first singles match.<\/p>\n
“I always dreamed about this trophy,” said Bronzetti, who was playing just her second singles match in the competition.<\/p>\n
“We are the world champions, we can be much happier. It is a dream of all of ours and we are so proud.”<\/p>\n
Italy, who will earn $2.4m (\u00a31.9m) in prize money for winning their fifth title, have become a tennis powerhouse recently, with the men’s team – led by world number one Jannik Sinner – winning its first Davis Cup in 47 years in 2023.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s an unbelievable year for Italian tennis and it’s so good for our sport in our country,” Paolini told reporters.<\/p>\n
“We have a lot of fans of tennis in Italy now, tennis is growing a lot.”<\/p>\n
Captain Tathiana Garbin said: “It’s a dream come true. I have such great champions, great players, and great human beings. <\/p>\n
“I am so proud of them. They fight every day.”<\/p>\n