ITF Press Release, December 6, 2024
Italy have been confirmed as the year-end No. 1 nation in both the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge and Davis Cup nations rankings, which have been published by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) following the Finals of both competitions last month.
The Italian women’s and men’s teams were both crowned world champions following title-victories in Malaga in November. Lucia Bronzetti and Jasmine Paolini steered the women’s team to a fifth Billie Jean King Cup triumph, defeating Slovakia in the final on 20 November. Just four days later the men’s team became the first nation since 2013 to successfully defend the Davis Cup title, with Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner guiding the Italians to victory against Netherlands.
Italy’s Davis Cup victory in 2023 (their second title, having won their first in 1976) saw the nation rise to No. 1 for the first time since the Davis Cup nations rankings were introduced in 2001.
By retaining the title this year, the Italians have extended their lead at the top of the rankings, ahead of Australia at No. 2 and Canada at No. 3.
2024 year-end Davis Cup nations rankings (Top 10):
1. Italy
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Netherlands
5. Germany
6. USA
7. Serbia
8. Croatia
9. France
10. Spain
Click here for full Davis Cup nations rankings
In the Billie Jean King Cup nations rankings, which were introduced in 2002, Italy’s title-victory this season sees them begin their third spell at No. 1, having also held the top ranking from November 2009 to April 2012 and from November 2013 to April 2014.
Italy’s four other Billie Jean King Cup titles came in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013. Last year’s world champions Canada drop to No. 2 with Czechia at No. 3 in the latest ranking list.
2024 year-end Billie Jean King Cup nations rankings (Top 10):
1. Italy
2. Canada
3. Czechia
4. Slovakia
5. Australia
6. Poland
7. Great Britain
8. Switzerland
9. USA
10. Spain
Click here for full Billie Jean King Cup nations rankings
Italy become the fourth nation to simultaneously top the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup nations rankings – after France (April 2004-September 2004 and November 2019-November 2021), Russia (December 2006-July 2009) and Czechia (April 2013-November 2013 and April 2014-November 2015).
The two 2024 finalists, Netherlands and Slovakia, have both ended the season at No. 4 in the rankings. Netherlands’ run to the Davis Cup final represented their best-ever result and sees them climb to their highest ranking, two places above their previous best of No. 6.
Slovakia contested their second Billie Jean King Cup final this season, having won the title on their only previous appearance in the final in 2002. The team were ranked at No. 1 when the first Billie Jean King Cup nations rankings were published in November 2002, and their current position of No. 4 is their highest ranking since 2005.
