Billie Jean King Cup | Canada wants to spoil its fans

Canada has become one of the models of success on the international tennis scene. The national team will have the chance to prove it once again at a Billie Jean King Cup qualifier this weekend in Vancouver.

Nicholas Richard
The Press

This competition bringing together the best players on the planet is the most important women’s team tournament in the world. Canada will play this Friday and Saturday at the Pacific Coliseum.

The Canadian team, led by Heidi El Tabakh, will face Latvia. This team will notably be without Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko, who excels in both singles and doubles, but who announced her withdrawal earlier this week due to injury. She was the only one of the four Latvian players who was ranked in the top 200.

For its part, Tennis Canada has great hopes in Leylah Annie Fernandez. At 19, the Quebecer is 21^and world. However, the Maple Leaf will also be able to count on a balanced and versatile team.

Rebecca Marino

Singles ranking: 111^and
Doubles ranking: 172^and
Age: 31 years old
Place of birth: Toronto

Rebecca Marino will live a great moment of emotion during her first match, since she will play at home, in Vancouver, in front of family and friends. “They promised to be really loud,” she laughed.

A title winner this season, Marino will play a unique role in this young Canadian squad. She is the most experienced player on the team. His experience in international competitions will necessarily be a major asset. She also believes that her teammates will be able to play up to the challenge: “There is a lot of pride in the idea of ​​representing Canada. You always want to do your best, especially as a team. You want to make everyone proud, you want to play for bigger than yourself. »

According to Marino, the Canadian team complements each other well. She is happy to know that she will be able to rely on her teammates if necessary. She also takes her leadership role to heart, and although she has more experience, she also wants to be able to learn from other team members.

“What makes this team special is the connection we have and the ultra-different game experience we have. It is a great wealth. »

Gabriela Dabrowski

Singles ranking: 949^and
Doubles ranking: 9^and
Age: 30 years old
Place of birth: Ottawa

Gabriela Dabrowski is one of the best doubles players in the world. She knows that her talent in this format of play is a considerable asset for the Canadian team. On the eve of a berth in the final rounds, Dabrowski doesn’t want to look too far ahead. Qualifying in Vancouver is “a crucial step”.

The fact of playing these matches in “one of the most beautiful cities in the world” is not the only cause explaining the excitement felt by the Canadian. It is rather to be able to share this experience with her teammates, which she does not hesitate to praise, moreover.

“Everyone wants to win. The important thing is to play well and support each other when it matters most. […] We are all professionals and we are able to prepare well for this kind of competition. »

Dabrowski’s experience and record in doubles definitely gives Team Canada an advantage in this facet of the game. could be very strong. Canada is lucky to have so much talent. »

Carol Zhao

Singles ranking: 285^and
Doubles ranking: 393^and
Age: 26 years old
Place of birth: Chongqing (China)

Carol Zhao will have the pleasure of playing at home for the first time in almost five years. The 26-year-old may not be the most experienced player, but it’s obvious that her years playing in the NCAA at Stanford University will be an asset in this team competition.

In his opinion, the biggest advantage for the Canadian team will be playing at home: “The chemistry is really important. Luckily we all get along really well. We know what we have to do. Everyone wants to do what’s best for the team. So chemistry is important, but you have to be aware of the environment and take advantage of it. »

Being able to play under the Billie Jean King Cup banner is also a huge honor for Zhao. King has done so much for women’s tennis. This is a beautiful way to pay homage to him.

“It’s a bit like a World Cup. It’s a great opportunity to represent your country, which we don’t get the chance to do very often. Then, everything that Billie Jean King has done for women’s tennis is immense and she has left quite a legacy. »

Francoise Abanda

Singles ranking: 471^and
Age: 25 years old
Place of birth: Montreal

Françoise Abanda is used to international meetings. She likes to wear the colors of the maple leaf and has had success previously in these kinds of conditions.

The Quebecer loves this kind of competition, since it allows her to explore another facet of her sport: “Normally, we always play individual tournaments, so it brings a team spirit and it brings the will to win for her country. »

Moreover, she is delighted that the competition can be held in Canada. Tennis is booming from coast to coast and this is a great opportunity to put women’s tennis at the forefront: “It’s rewarding to participate in the BJK Cup. It is an honor and it also pleases all tennis fans to know that there are athletes who want to fight for the colors of Canada. »