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.
Paolini, who has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, was part of the Italian team that finished runners-up to Canada 12 months ago.
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.
“I always dreamed about this trophy,” said Bronzetti, who was playing just her second singles match in the competition.
“We are the world champions, we can be much happier. It is a dream of all of ours and we are so proud.”
Italy, who will earn $2.4m (£1.9m) 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.
“I think it’s an unbelievable year for Italian tennis and it’s so good for our sport in our country,” Paolini told reporters.
“We have a lot of fans of tennis in Italy now, tennis is growing a lot.”
Captain Tathiana Garbin said: “It’s a dream come true. I have such great champions, great players, and great human beings.
“I am so proud of them. They fight every day.”
Slovakia, who knocked Great Britain out on Tuesday, were playing in their first final since they won the tournament in 2002.
