Switzerland won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time when Olympic champion Belinda Bencic claimed victory over Australia in Glasgow.
The Swiss were beaten by Russia in last year’s final and, after also finishing runners-up in 1998, eventually won the annual women’s team competition.
Swiss number two Jil Teichmann beat Storm Sanders 6-3 4-6 6-3 to put them ahead in the best of three draws.
In-form Bencic claimed triumph with a 6-2 6-1 win over Ajla Tomljanovic.
“What happened last year gave us extra motivation. We were so heartbroken, I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much,” said world number 12 Bencic.
“Then Jil said we would win it next year and we did. I’m incredibly proud.”
Australia had beaten Great Britain in Saturday’s semi-finals and were seeking to win the competition – which was known as the Fed Cup before being renamed in honor of the great American king in 2020 – for the first time since 1974.
Sanders, ranked 237th in the world, had won her previous three singles matches in the 12-team final at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, but was unable to put her team back forward as the world number 35 Teichmann fought hard to clinch the decision.
Tomljanovic knew she had to win to keep Australia’s hopes alive and turn the final into a decisive doubles match.
However, she had few answers against the inspired Bencic.
Bencic hadn’t dropped a set in their previous four wins in the final in Glasgow and extended that impressive record with a dominating performance.
She sealed success by breaking Tomljanovic’s serve for the sixth time, meaning Australia have now lost 10 finals since they last lifted the trophy.
