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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 43.
Only when victory was within her grasp did Stakusic wobble when
four match points went adrift as Trevisan served at 2-5.
But she shrugged off that disappointment and powered through her
next service game, ending the contest with a crunching forehand
winner.
"I'm so happy and honored 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 DELIVERS
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.
She then teamed up with Gabriela Dabrowski to defeat Czech
multiple Grand Slam doubles champions Barbora Krejcikova and
Katerina Siniakova.
Fernandez delivered five points for her side but paid tribute to
her team mates, including Eugenie Bouchard who won a doubles in
the group stage.
"I can finally say this: We're world champions, and we
rightfully deserve it," Fernandez said. "We worked really hard
the past years, and we just keep improving.
"Now it has shown in the biggest stage in the world."
Canada's team will receive $2.4 million in prize money -- a
record for the women's team event formerly known as the Fed Cup.
They were also presented with the trophy by American King while
team members received blue jackets like the ones so-loved by the
trailblazing American.
"Congratulations to Canada for capturing their first Billie Jean
King Cup title," King said. "They played some incredible tennis
this week and are deserving world champions, and it was a great
honor to present them with the trophy.
"I'm already excited for 2024!"
Canada are the 13th nation to win the Billie Jean King Cup and
the second new champions in two years following Switzerland’s
triumph in Glasgow 12 months ago.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Ken
Ferris)
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