2024 Finals: Spotlight on Italy
10/10/2024 10:00
Jannik Sinner's inspired performances fired Italy to a Davis Cup victory in Malaga last year and now the nation's women are aiming to replicate that success in Malaga
By Kevin Palmer
ITALY
Ranking: 3
Champions: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013
THE HISTORY
Italy's most recent title triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup came 11 years ago, as they beat Russia 4-0 in a final staged in front of an excited Italian crowd in Cagliari.
Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani paved the way for the 2013 victory, with Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta taking centre stage as Italy won this competition in 2006, 2009 and 2010.
After losing in the Billie Jean King Cup against Canada last year, Italy's class of 2024 will be eager to go one better in Malaga in November after what has been a thrilling year for Italian tennis.
RECORD BREAKERS
Roberta Vinci and Francesca Schiavone share the leading records for Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup.
Schiavone has the most total wins (27) and the most singles wins (23), while Vinci has the most doubles wins, with a classy record of 18-1 in her Billie Jean King Cup doubles matches.
Sandra Cecchini has played the most ties for Italy, appearing 25 times between 1983 and 1995.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
After finishing as runners-up in last year's Billie Jean King Cup, Italy secured qualification for this year's tournament in Malaga.
MEET THE CAPTAIN - Tathiana Garbin
A former player who reached a career-high of No. 22 in the world in May 2007, Garbin has been at the helm of the Italy Billie Jean King Cup team in 2016.
Last year's run to the final in Seville was the culmination of a steady rise for Italy in this competition and now Garbin will be eager to rise to the top step of the podium in Malaga.
With Jannik Sinner at the top of the ATP rankings and Jasmine Paolini shining on the WTA Tour in recent months, Italy is living through a golden era and Garbin will be striving to back up last year's Davis Cup success for Italy's men with a Billie Jean King Cup success.
"There hasn't been one 'click' moment, it’s a combination of things working together," says Garbin as she reflects on the rise of Italian tennis.
"This has been years of work from the federation, we have great coaches across the country because we've worked a lot on the instructions for the coaches to give. We are trying to have the best men and women to work with our players to transfer their knowledge and experience to the youngsters.
"Also, we don't just work in the city centres, we try to work in all parts of Italy. That wasn't always considered. Now we try to help small children from everywhere. Until you search, you don't know if you have a talent there."
WHO'S IN THE TEAM?
What a year this has been for Italy's Jasmine Paolini.
At the age of 28, she has had something of a breakthrough season at the top of the women's game after reaching the French Open and Wimbledon finals, while also making it through to the fourth round at the Australian Open and US Open.
Paolini also won an Olympic gold medal for Italy alongside Sara Errani at the Paris 2024 Games and broke into the top ten of the WTA rankings.
If Paolini performs to the levels she has reached over the last 12 months, she will be a potent weapon for Italy in Malaga.
Martina Trevisan was a star turn for Italy in last year's Billie Jean King Cup Finals, as the 2022 French Open semi-finalist was inspired by playing for her nation.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Lucia Bronzetti and Sara Errani have also been named in a powerful Italy team by captain Garbin.
