Italy clinched their fifth Billie Jean King Cup title on Wednesday, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Slovakia. Jasmine Paolini delivered the decisive point, defeating Rebecca Sramkova 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles match. Earlier, Lucia Bronzetti put Italy in a commanding position with a 6-2, 6-4 win against Viktoria Hruncakova. This triumph marked Italy’s first BJK Cup victory since 2013, after they finished as runners-up to Canada last year.
Paolini’s victory was the perfect finish to a remarkable year for the 28-year-old, who had reached the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Slovakia, the 2002 champions, had been impressive throughout the tournament, defeating heavyweights like the USA, Australia, and Great Britain on their way to the final. However, despite a spirited performance from Sramkova, Paolini’s superior play proved too much for the Slovakian.
In the first match, Bronzetti tactically outplayed Hruncakova, denying the Slovakian the opportunity to use her power. Bronzetti's solid groundstrokes and court movement helped her break Hruncakova three times in the first set. Although Hruncakova managed to break for a 4-2 lead in the second set, Bronzetti responded immediately, winning the last four games to seal the match and give Italy their first point.
Paolini’s performance in the second match was clinical. After breaking early in the second set, she maintained her advantage despite a brief fightback from Sramkova. Paolini’s aggressive play and consistent serving ensured a smooth finish, securing the win for Italy in just over an hour. Italy’s victory in the prestigious competition is a testament to their depth and tactical acumen, with captain Tathiana Garbin leading the team to success against top-tier competition.
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