An inspired Jasmine Paolini guided Italy to a fifth Billie Jean King Cup title as they beat Slovakia 2-0 in the final in Malaga.
Paolini produced a tennis masterclass to beat Rebeka Sramkova 6-2 6-1 in the second singles to complete victory in Wednesday’s final after Lucia Bronzetti beat Victoria Hrunchakova 6-2 6-4 in the opening singles match.
A year after Italy’s heartbreaking loss to Canada and their last title in 2013, the charismatic Paolini took down Sramkova before celebrating wildly with her teammates and jubilant Italian fans, including men’s world No.1 Yannick Sinner.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing, I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, it’s just unbelievable,” an emotional Paolini said in court.
“I think we played an incredible week and I’m so proud of how we did in every game. I’m very happy that we can finally bring the title back to Italy this year,” added the world number four.
Slovakia failed to repeat their heroics against Great Britain 24 hours earlier when they fell behind after Emma Radukanu beat Hrunchakova, but fought back to win 2-1.
Italy’s victory capped a stunning breakthrough year for Paolini, who came from relative obscurity to finish runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon.
The 28-year-old also won Olympic gold for Italy in women’s doubles alongside Davis Cup teammate Sarah Errani.
Paolini and 37-year-old Errani had won the decisive doubles matches in the quarter-finals against Japan and in the last four against Poland.
But after Paolini’s singles win, the doubles rubber was not required, prompting wild celebrations from the team and the large Italian contingent in the stands.
Germany leads Canada into Davis Cup semi-finals
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After Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis, former rival and friend Andy Murray paid tribute to the Spanish star and his humility on the court.
Germany kept alive their hopes of winning the Davis Cup for the first time in three decades with a quarter-final win over Canada on Wednesday.
Jan-Lennard Struff rallied to defeat Denis Shapovalov 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7-5) to win the second singles match.
Daniel Altmaier gave Germany the first point with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win over Gabriel Diallo.
Germany will face the Netherlands the following day for a place in the final, with the Dutch beating Spain 2-1 on Tuesday in a draw that marked the end of Rafael Nadal’s professional tennis career.
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