The Billie Jean King Cup 2024 finals is headed for the summit clash as a new champions are set to be crowned in what is also known as “the world cup of women’s tennis”. Last year’s finalist Italy is set to take on dark horses Slovakia in the final showdown of the year for women players on November 20.
While Italy have stormed to second straight finals of the tournament and will be looking for redemption from the previous edition, Slovakia will feature in the summit clash for the first time in 22 years.
The 2024 edition of the Billie Jean King Cup will see the coronation of the new world champions after holders Canada were knocked out of the competition by Great Britain.
Italy’s seeks to end title drought
Italy, who were runner’s up in 2023, will look to end their 11-year title drought.
Headlined by the Olympic women’s doubles champions – world number four Jasmine Paolini and the experienced Sara Errani – the Italians appear to be a strong unit for the title glory. The pair had won the decisive point in both the quarter-final and semi-final victories.
The Paolini-Errani pulled off a stunning come-from-behind win against Japan in their last eight tie. Their doubles display in the semi-final against Poland however stands out among the rest, as they won in straight sets past midnight in a thrilling decider.
“The bench full of the team was supporting us, and it helped me with the energy, of course,” Paolini said in the press conference after the semi-final. “When you play for your nation, you have also an extra motivation.”
Will Slovakia go from underdogs to champions?
Slovakia pulled off one upset after the other to reach the finals of the event.
The 2022 champions first posted a comeback win against the USA in a final set tiebreak in the doubles clash. Slovakia then prevailed over Australia 2-0 in the quarter-finals with Rebecca Sramkova registering win her second singles match in three days.
Great Britain was the huddle in the semi-finals which lay ahead as US Open winner Emma Raducanu took the opening match. Despite also losing the first set of the second match, Slovakia threw their weight to win four consecutive sets to reach the finals.
Slovakia are only one win away from creating history.
“Absolutely [a] special moment for our country, for our players, for tennis in Slovakia,” captain Matej Liptak said after the semi-final victory. “It’s so many years when we won it once only, and personally me, I was so close to be in the final in one match already.”
Also Read: Billie Jean King Cup: A Look At Past Winners Since 1963
Billie Jean King Cup 2024 Final: How to watch live
The final of the Billie Jean King Cup will take place on Wednesday, 20 November at 5pm CET at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.
Tennis Channel will broadcast the BJK Cup 2024 finals in regions such as the United States and central Europe, though territorial restrictions may apply.
In Australia, fans can catch the action on Nine & BeIN Connect, while UK-based fans can watch the finals on BBC Sport.
