Italy vs Slovakia Prediction Billie Jean King Cup Finals Tennis Picks 11/20/24

It is back-to-back finals for Italy at the Billie Jean King Cup after a stunning win over tournament favorites Poland. The tie was decided in doubles after Lucia Bronzetti's opening singles win was canceled by Iga Swiatek, who got the better of Jasmine Paolini.

Paolini made amends, teaming up with Sara Errani to beat Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa in straight sets in doubles in a late-night thriller. The Italian duo saved multiple set points in the first set and then came from 1-5 down to win the second set.

Italy has won the BJK Cup four times in the past, with their last triumph coming in 2013. Tathiana Garbin's team lost to Canada in last year's final, so will the result be any different?

Slovakia Billie Jean King Cup Team Facts

Can Slovakia complete the miracle in Malaga? The smallest nation in the competition has somehow found a way into the final day of this year's Billie Jean King Cup in the most remarkable fashion.

Slovakia's only previous appearance in the championship match dates back to 2002 when it won its first and thus far only BJK Cup title. Team captain Matej Liptak has coached a squad that has stunned 18-time champions the USA, Australia, and Great Britain.

Slovakia defeated Great Britain 2-1 in the semis after Rebecca Sramkova had leveled the tie with a massive win over Katie Boulter. Viktoria Hrunkacova and Tereza Mihalikova stepped up for their country in doubles for the second time in this tournament to beat Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls.

Italy vs Slovakia Billie Jean King Cup Head-To-Head

• Slovakia leads Italy 2-1 in BJK Cup meetings. Italy won their last clash at the 2023 Qualifiers away from home.

Italy vs Slovakia Billie Jean King Cup Prediction

Slovakia is one tie win from completing the greatest underdog story of the season. With each win, their belief is increasing, and there can be no doubt that they have a shot at winning their second BJK Cup title, emulating their golden generation of 2002, which won the nation's lone title.

However, Italy has recently been in this stage, losing the 2023 final to Canada. They have learned their lessons after eliminating title favorites Poland in the semifinal. Jasmine Paolini is the heartbeat of this Italian team, and she will be a match for the in-form Sramkova, who is unbeaten in Malaga. Should Italy quell Sramkova's threat, a fifth BJK Cup title beckons.