Jasmine Paolini celebrated an "unbelievable year" for both herself and Italian tennis after driving her nation to Billie Jean King Cup glory on Wednesday. The world number four enjoyed a stunning season, finishing as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, winning her second career title in Dubai and then triumphing with Italy in doubles at the Olympics and again in Malaga.

Paolini won the second singles rubber against Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova to complete a 2-0 win for Italy, following Lucia Bronzetti's victory over Viktoria Hruncakova in the opening match. Meanwhile in the men's game Italy's Jannik Sinner is the world number one and won the Australian Open, US Open and the ATP Finals last week.