Sara Errani's remarkable journey in the Billie Jean King Cup began when she was just 20 years old in 2008. Back then, it was known as the Fed Cup. She achieved a significant victory by winning three sets against Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain. Five years later, as a junior member of a talented squad that included Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, and Roberta Vinci, Errani led Italy to its fourth title in eight years. In Cagliari, Italy, she won both her singles matches against Russia.

Errani's Continued Impact

At 37, Errani may no longer be a singles standout, but her presence is a big reason Italy finds itself in Wednesday's Billie Jean King Cup final against upstart Slovakia in Malaga, Spain. Along with Jasmine Paolini, they defeated Iga Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa of Poland 7-5, 7-5 to advance. When Poland created three set points in the opening frame, Errani's blue eyes brimmed with intensity as she saved Italy with excellent work at the net. After falling behind 5-1 in the second set, Errani and Paolini won the last six games. On match point, Errani mischievously dropped in an underarm serve to Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion. "I feel it," Errani said of the surprise tactic. "I did it - not thinking too much. I'm very happy, I'm very proud to be part of this team. Playing for our country, for Italy, it's always really special."

Slovakia's Quest for Glory

For Slovakia, a victory in the final might be even more special as this landlocked European nation of 5.4 million has won only a single Billie Jean King Cup title, back in 2002. On Tuesday, they had a roaring comeback over Great Britain after Emma Raducanu defeated Viktoria Hruncakova 6-4, 6-4. First, Rebecca Sramkova forced the doubles decider with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Katie Boulter. That left it to Viktoria Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova to carry Slovakia home with a tidy 6-2, 6-2 win over Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls. Hruncakova is ranked No.238 in singles and Mihalikova is No.41 in doubles, but it was over in 73 minutes. Remarkably, it was the third victory over a Grand Slam-hosting country; earlier, Slovakia beat the United States and Australia. "For us, it's always a big challenge to play those countries," Hruncakova said after Slovakia defeated Australia in the quarterfinals. "We have nothing to lose. That's why I think we enjoy it so much."

Paolini's Rise

2024 has been an eye-opener for Paolini. She reached the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon (the first to do that in the same season since Serena Williams) and teamed with Errani to win the Olympic gold medal in Paris. Her head-to-head versus Boulter is 2-all, while she's never played Raducanu. Italy's best options at second singles are No.53 Elisabetta Cocciaretto and No.78 Lucia Bronzetti. Slovakia has played both Hruncakova and Renata Jamrichova at second singles. In some ways, Paolini's resurgence can be tied to last year's Billie Jean King Cup final. She was ranked No.30 when she lost to Leylah Fernandez but finishes this season at No.4. "The Billie Jean King Cup, playing in the final, it was a big result for us," Paolini said in Malaga. "I think it helped me; I won big matches. Before the last year I wasn't really confident to play in this competition. I was feeling the pressure, and it was not easy for me to adjust, with so many people around on the bench. But last year I finally got used to it and tried to see the positive side, that I had so much support - and it worked."

The Head-to-Head Battle

The head-to-head record between the two best singles players is intriguing. While Sramkova won the first four matches against Paolini, she's taken the past two. However, Sramkova has won all three of her matches in Spain, going back to wins over Danielle Collins and Ajla Tomljanovic. The Billie Jean King Cup, in its 61st season, remains the most important team competition for women after a rousing run-up to this final. A record 137 nations entered the competition - and now only Italy or Slovakia will be named champion on Wednesday.