For the third year in a row, Leylah Fernandez will lead the Canadian delegation that will attend the Billie Jean King Cup in Spain this week, and this time she will be joined by another Quebecer, Eugenie Bouchard.
The two tennis women and their compatriots Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski and Marina Stakusic will try to win this new edition of the tournament formerly known as the Fed Cup. Last year, Canada was eliminated in the group stage when it lost to eventual event winners Switzerland.
Fernandez has had an excellent end to the season after winning the tournament in Hong Kong in October. She went back to 35e Rank in the WTA singles rankings and 17the Double club, it represents a double-edged sword.
“Playing for Canada always brings out the best in me because there is nothing better than being part of a team and competing together,” the 21-year-old told the Billie Jean King Cup website last week.
For “Genie” it is the first appearance with Canada since the Fed Cup 2015. The Montrealer was in the top 50 at the time, which she has not found since then. in 2024, she’s competed in a handful of tournaments and picked up some surprising victories, so she won’t be overlooked.
A nice depth
Obviously, the absence of the injured Bianca Andreescu is obvious. Except that with doubles expert Gabriela Dabrowski – returning from competing in the WTA Finals – and the presence of rising star Marina Stakusic, Canada can hope to go far.
“I am extremely excited to see what this group can achieve in Seville as they play in the final against the best in the world for the third year in a row,” said captain Heidi El Tabakh.
“We have seen some incredible performances from Leylah, Gabriela, Eugenie, Rebecca and Marina recently. “This training gives us a good mix of experience and leadership and I am sure we have what it takes to show the world what Canadian women have to offer,” the former player added.
Fernandez played a key role in Canada qualifying for this final stage. The Maple Leaf defeated Belgium in April thanks to Laval’s singles win over Ysaline Bonaventure and her other victory alongside Gabriela Dabrowski in the deciding doubles match.
On Wednesday the Canadians will first face the local favorites Spaniards. The next day they will face the Poles to complete the preliminary round. Only the best team in each group makes it to the playoffs.
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