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ITFWorld // WINTER 2019/20 2 1 a dream come true on a personal note. Tears and emotion came out. "But after the handshake I thought, 'this is not exactly what I want – I want the trophy and for the team to win'. We didn't manage to win the next singles so I had to go back there again. "I'm really proud of this composure, staying there mentally and not being satisfied with two great singles. The trophy and France being Fed Cup champions is the best reward." It was a poignant moment for Garcia and Mladenovic, who suffered defeat against Karolina Pliskova and Barbora Strycova in the pivotal doubles as France slumped to defeat against Czech Republic in the 2016 final in Strasbourg. Garcia was quick to point to the restored harmony within the French camp. "It's the force of our team, everybody can bring points and we are ready to play on Saturday or Sunday," she said. "If we don't get to play, we put our ego to one side and cheer for the others. That's what the captain wanted us to do and that's what we did. We can be proud of that." It was a success which improved France's win-loss record against Australia slightly – it was their second victory in seven ties – and resonated in the loftiest of places and at the very heart of government. The France team were hosted at Elysee Palace by President Emmanuel Macron, who said: "You showed great spirit, coming together, forming a team, easing tensions and strengthening ties for a collective victory." Their win secured France's third Fed Cup title and first since 2003, although the wait for seven-time champions Australia, who last conquered all before them in the tournament in 1974, goes on. Australia have now lost their last nine Fed Cup finals since embarking upon a golden period when they sealed seven titles in 11 years of competition from 1964. Barty had spoken to ITFWorld of her hope that victory over France would usher in a new dawn of domination with Australia reprising former glories. The 23-year-old promised her side would recover and bounce back. "From a Fed Cup-specific point of view, the journey we've been on has just been remarkable," said Barty, who became the first world No.1 to contest a Fed Cup Final since Switzerland's Martina Hingis in 1998. "To be able to be in the Fed Cup Final is something that is very precious. We'll cherish it and it'll drive us more for 2020." Australia captain Alicia Molik echoed Barty's sentiments and immediately switched her attention towards the latest edition of the tournament and going one step further in the new-look Finals. "There's no question you become better from experiences, whether they be good, bad or indifferent," said Molik. "This one is a bad experience, having lost the final, but it's amazing that this group of players get to feel what it's like to be in the final. "Now that we've been there and done that, the next step for us is to take the moment. Let's see if we receive that opportunity in Budapest." n Australia fans, left, made the Fed Cup Final a memorable occasion, while, above, Garcia previously spoke to ITFWorld about France using past failure to their advantage Parmentier, right, in action, while, left, France fans show their support for their nation and Mladenovic in particular Mladenovic won all three of her matches in the final, two in singles and one doubles showdown 'Past pain can stoke our quest for silverware' To be playing Australia, another great tennis country, especially over there, is something I'm really looking forward to.' C A R O L I N E G A R C I A Caroline Garcia is back in the France fold and determined to lift silverware Caroline Garcia is determined to use the agony of Fed Cup Final defeat in 2016 in France's favour. ITFWorld // AUTUMN 2019 19

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