Two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini has capped a breakthrough season by leading Italy to its first Billie Jean King Cup title since 2013.

After two Grand Slam finals, a new career high of world No 4 and an Olympic gold medal in women’s doubles with compatriot Sara Errani, Paolini is a Billie Jean King Cup champion. She secured the title for Italy by winning the decisive rubber against Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova on Wednesday night, giving her country a 2-0 victory in the final.

Great Britain were knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup at the semi-final stage by a resilient Slovakia who came from a point down to triumph in Malaga and set up a clash with Italy in the final. Britain stuck with the gameplan that brought them success in the week with Emma Raducanu leading off against Viktoria Hruncakova.