Italy and surprise package Slovakia clash in the final of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup as two former champion nations collide.
The 2002 winners continued their remarkable week in Malaga as they fought back from 1-0 down to beat Great Britain, with Rebecca Sramkova showing her battling spirit having been a set behind against Katie Boulter.
Italy, meanwhile, are four time winners of this competition and were runners-up last year. They will be confident of going one better this after a semi-final win against Iga Swiatek and Poland.
Jasmine Paolini has enjoyed an excellent 2024 and will hope to cap her breakthrough year with team silverware.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Italy vs Slovakia?
The Billie Jean King Cup final is due to start at 4pm GMT on Wednesday 20 November at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the tie live via the BBC Red Button, or online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
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What is the format?
The final will be contested over two singles matches and a doubles decider if required.
Teams
|
Italy (ranking) |
Slovakia (ranking) |
|
Captain: Tathiana Garbin |
Captain: Matej Liptak |
|
Jasmine Paolini (4) |
Rebecca Sramkova (43) |
|
Elisabetta Cocciaretto (54) |
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (110) |
|
Lucia Bronzetti (78) |
Viktoria Hruncakova (241) |
|
Sara Errani (105 – singles; 8 – doubles) |
Renata Jamrichova (375) |
|
Martina Trevisan (126 – singles; 338 – doubles) |
Tereza Mihalikova (42 – doubles) |
Odds
Italy 1/3
Slovakia 5/2
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