Billie-Jean-King Cup | Canadian team confident heading into qualifying

(Vancouver) Even without one of its best players, Canada is ready to fight this week as women’s tennis returns to Vancouver.

Bianca Andreescu will not be on the Canadian roster, which faces Belgium in Billie-Jean-King Cup qualifying on Friday and Saturday.

Andreescu, the top-ranked Canadian in the country, will miss the duel after tearing two ligaments in her left ankle during the Miami Open on March 27. The 22-year-old Ontarian currently occupies the 27^e world rank in the WTA rankings.

It’s a tough loss for the Canadian squad, but captain Heidi El Tabakh has a lot of confidence in the other team members.

“We have a lot of depth in the group, she said on Tuesday. I think one of our advantages is that we are mentally strong, and at the end of the day, everyone plays amazing tennis. »

Toronto’s Katherine Sebov will replace Andreescu, as the action returns to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver.

The 24-year-old Sebov reached a personal high this week when he hit 136^e world position, following a defeat against the talented Swiss player Belinda Bencic, at the Charleston Open on April 5.

“She plays aggressive tennis and moves really well,” El Tabakh said. She’s good on all surfaces, especially indoors, where I think she’s really hard to beat. She is on a good pace, because she had a good start to the season. »

Leylah Fernandez, Rebecca Marino and Gabriela Dabrowski complete the Canadian troop.

Ranked 50^e in singles, Fernandez captured a women’s doubles title with American Taylor Townsend at the Charleston Open last week.

Belgium will not be able to count on its best element, the 29^e world racket Elise Mertens. Their line-up will consist of Yslaine Bonaventure, Greet Minnen, Kirsten Flipkens and Yanina Wickmayer.

However, El Tabakh believes that Belgium should not be underestimated. She mentioned that the formation has a lot of experience.

“The four players are tough opponents,” said El Tabakh. It will be a tough matchup. »

Canada has struggled against Belgium in its history at the Billie-Jean-King Cup, never having won in three games.