Canada puts its Billie Jean King Cup title on the line this week
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals are set to kick off this week in Malaga, Spain, with Canada once again looking to make a splash in international team tennis. This prestigious event, formerly known as the Federation Cup before being rebranded in 2020 in honor of tennis legend Billie Jean King, features the top women’s teams from around the world competing for the coveted title.
Last year, Canada pulled off a stunning upset to win the Cup for the first time, and they are back this year to defend their title. The team is led by captain Heidi El Tabakh and includes top players like Leylah Fernandez, Gabriela Dabrowski, Marina Stakusic, and Rebecca Marino. While Bianca Andreescu was initially slated to join the team, she had to withdraw due to health reasons, leaving the team with just four players.
Fernandez, currently ranked 31st in the world, was a standout performer at last year’s Finals, leading the team to victory with her stellar play. She will be looking to replicate that success this year alongside her talented teammates. Stakusic, a 19-year-old rising star, made a name for herself at last year’s event with impressive wins despite her lack of experience on the WTA Tour.
Dabrowski, a doubles specialist, has also been in top form this year, winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and claiming victory at the prestigious WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. With her partner Erin Routliffe, Dabrowski is currently ranked No. 3 in the world in doubles, showcasing her prowess on the court.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will feature a format similar to the Davis Cup, with teams competing in a series of ties that include singles and doubles matches. Canada will face off against the winner of the Germany vs. Great Britain matchup in the quarterfinals, with the action set to unfold over the coming days.
Fans can catch all the action from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, and the CBC Sports app, with live streaming of every match available. The excitement is sure to be palpable as the top women’s teams battle it out for glory on the court. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds and Canada looks to make its mark once again in international team tennis.
