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Canada take Billie Jean King Cup to complete double / Photo: © AFP
Canada take Billie Jean King Cup to complete double
Canada completed a team-tennis double on Sunday as their women took the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time, winning both singles rubbers to build an unassailable lead over Italy.
Canada's men are the reigning Davis Cup champions after winning their first title in Malaga last November
Marina Stakusic, an 18-year-old, opened the final in Seville with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Martina Trevisan.
"We took a risk by selecting a young player, and it paid off," said Canada's coach Nathalie Tauziat.
Leylah Fernandez then beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3, to spark jubilation from the
"Leylah played her role as leader and that made all the difference," said Tauziat. "She prepares like a boxer, ready to enter the ring, to receive blows and to give them."
Canada, captained by Heidi El Tabakh, became the 13th nation to win Billie Jean King Cup and the second consecutive new champion after Switzerland won in Glasgow 12 months ago.
Italy continued their 10-year drought in the competition, known as the Fed Cup until 2020, having won the last of their four titles in 2013.
M.Powell--SFF
