Italy enters record books with historic Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup triumphs

Rarely does a nation secure victory at both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup in the same year, but Italy managed to pull off this historic feat in a year that was a breakout season for several of their stars.

Jannik Sinner finished the 2024 ATP season as World No.1, winning two Grand Slam titles and the season-ending ATP Finals in the process. The 23-year old led the Italian men to a second consecutive Davis Cup victory over the weekend. Conversely, Jasmine Paolini experienced her best season on tour, reaching two straight Grand Slam singles finals and ending the season as World No.4. Paolini led her Italian WTA counterparts to the Billie Jean King Cup title this month.

In the 21st century, a double win in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup champion has occurred only once. Russia was the last nation to complete the double sweep in the 21st century, accomplishing this feat in 2021. Strangely enough, the Russian athletes were competing under the neutral flag. They were unable to represent their country due to doping sanctions that has plagued their sport for years.

Prior to the Russians achieving the Davis Cup-Billie Jean King Cup double, the United States was the last country to do so in 1990. Australia has also accomplished this feat in the past, indicating Italy may be on the verge of etching it's name as the new powerhouse nation in the tennis world.