Italy made history as they claimed a third Davis Cup title with victory over the Netherlands in Sunday's final.
World No 1 Jannik Sinner prevailed in the decisive rubber against Dutch No 1 Tallon Griekspoor, defeating the Dutch star 7-6(2), 6-2.
By winning the first set, the 23-year-old became just the second man in the Open Era to go a full season without suffering a straight-sets loss – matching Roger Federer's feat from 2005.
Sinner also ends his landmark season with a 73-6 record, not losing once to a player ranked outside the top 20 of the ATP Rankings.
The 23-year-old also becomes the first player to win multiple majors, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup in the same year.
"I'm very proud of the whole team – there's a lot of work behind it and we're very happy to hold this trophy again," said the Italian.
The final started perfectly for Italy, with Matteo Berrettini producing a close-to-flawless performance to win the opening rubber and put his nation 1-0 up.
After a battling three-set victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in Saturday's semi-final, the former world No 6 eased his way to a 6-4, 6-2 win over Botic van de Zandschulp on Sunday.
Berrettini missed the 2023 Finals due to ongoing fitness problems but starred for his nation in Malaga this week, following a year in which he has won three ATP titles.
"It feels unbelievable, and it feels really good to be on court," said the 28-year-old post-match.
"Being able to be here, be healthy and enjoying this kind of atmosphere is the thing for me because I missed that. I did not miss the wins or the losses – I missed these moments. That's why I'm really happy."
Victory for Italy is just a third in their nation's history, following triumphs in 1976 and 12 months ago in 2023.
They are the first country since the Czech Republic (2012-13) to successfully defend the title and are one of just six nations to do so since reigning champions stopped receiving a bye to the final in 1972.
The other nations to achieve that feat are the United States (1978-79, 1981-82), Sweden (1984-85, 1997-98), West Germany (1988-89), and Spain (2008-09).
Italy is also now one of five countries to win both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup – the equivalent women's event – in the same calendar year.
Anchored by Jasmine Paolini, the women's team sealed a fifth BJK Cup title by defeating Slovakia 2-0 in Wednesday's final.
Italy joins Australia (most recently in 1973) the United States (most recently in 1990), the Czech Republic (2012), and the Russian Tennis Federation (2021) in achieving that milestone.
