Italy and the possibility of a historic and rare double

Rome: The transalpine country can claim victory in both the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup, something that has happened few times in history.

Well-done work often receives its reward, but the way in which Italy is reaping what has been sown in recent decades may surprise even the most optimistic. They are close to securing the title in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, so it’s worth reviewing recent history to try to find precedents for something like this.

Countless tournaments of all categories, overwhelming and well-managed investment in developing younger players, coach specialization, facility improvements, promotion, and dissemination of tennis in all sectors… That’s what Italy has been doing for years, and the results are harvested in a continuous cascade of joy. While the success of their model has been beyond doubt for some time now, the possibility of achieving a double win in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup makes national team competitions seem unforgettable.

Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini have been two of the major tennis figures globally this year. The women justified their favoritism in the Billie Jean King Cup 2024 with a stellar performance from the finalist at Roland Garros, both in singles and doubles, with Errani, and also with a Bronzetti who exceeded expectations. The men’s side seemed even more manageable, given the team’s depth and quality, with the number 1 practically guaranteeing a point in each match played.

The men just need to put the finishing touch to confirm something that could be historic. Italy has engraved its name in golden letters in the history of the Davis Cup twice (1976 and 2023), while in the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Federation Cup, they have triumphed in four editions (2006, 2009, 2010, and 2024). Italy is not one of the few countries that have won both team competitions in the same year, a distinction that has been limited to historic powerhouses like the United States and Australia, in past times, as well as Russia.

• In the 21st century, a double win in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup champion has occurred only once.

In fact, the Russians were the latest to achieve this feat and the only instance of such a double win in the 21st century. They accomplished it the year after the pandemic, in 2021, and the interesting part is that they competed under a neutral flag, unable to represent their country due to doping sanctions that plagued their sport for years. To find the previous precedent, you have to go back to 1990, with the United States winning both the men’s and women’s titles.

It is important to mention the economic significance for a country’s federation when winning these tournaments. The Italian Federation will have ample room to continue its ambitious tennis promotion and management policies, which could lead to the European country consolidating itself in the elite and witnessing the emergence of great talents destined to be protagonists in the present and future.