Canada made history as they were crowned Billie Jean King Cup champions for the first time after beating Italy; Marina Stakusic defeated Martina Trevisan 7-5 6-3 before Leylah Fernandez saw off Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-3 in Seville
Sunday 12 November 2023 19:22, UK
Leylah Fernandez steered Canada to their maiden Billie Jean King Cup title as she delivered the decisive point in a 2-0 victory over Italy in Seville.
The former US Open runner-up maintained her stunning form throughout the week as she beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-3.
After the 21-year-old converted match point the Canadian team celebrated wildly on court in front of their jubilant fans.
"I don't know what to say," Canada's captain Heidi El Tabakh said. "I'm so proud of this team, these girls are incredible. It's a dream come true."
Teenager Marina Stakusic had earlier put Canada within sight of glory thanks to a stunning victory over Martina Trevisan. The 18-year-old, 258th in the WTA rankings, produced a nerveless display to win 7-5 6-3 against an opponent ranked 43rd.
Only when victory was within her grasp did Stakusic wobble, as four match points went adrift when Trevisan served at 2-5, but she shrugged off that disappointment and powered through her next service game to end the contest with a crunching forehand winner.
"I'm so happy and honoured that I could play this week, this has been the best week of my life," Stakusic, who did not even play a WTA main draw match this year, said on court.
It was then over to Fernandez, who duly claimed her fourth singles win of the week by outclassing Paolini.
Fernandez had produced heroics the previous day against the Czech Republic, when she beat Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to keep Canada in the semi-final. before teaming up with Gabriela Dabrowski to doubles victory.
Canada's team will receive £1.96m [$2.4m] in prize money - a record for the women's team event formerly known as the Fed Cup. They were also presented with the trophy while team members received blue jackets like the ones so-loved by Billie Jean King, who was present for the final.
It completes a notable double for Canada, who were also Davis Cup champions for the first time last year.
