Leylah Fernandez, Eugenie Bouchard and their compatriots now know what to expect in the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Tennis Cup: Today in Seville they will face the Czechs, who are ranked fifth in the world, just ahead of the Maple Leaf.
The event will take place on TVA Sports 2.
• Also read: Billie Jean King Cup: Canada reaches the semifinals for the first time in a long time
• Also read: Successful debut for Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup
With victory in their last game of the day on Friday, a doubles duel in which Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova defeated Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend 6:3 and 7:5, the Europeans won the day’s confrontation against the United States. Most importantly, they secured their place at the top of Group A, which enabled them to advance to the elimination round.
Even though they have won all of their matches since the start of the tournament, defeating Spain and Poland in quick succession, the Canadians will still have a lot of work to do to be counted on by Marketa Vondrousova and a team ranked seventh in the world 10th in Krejcikova. They also have to avenge a defeat suffered by the only country represented in the semi-finals of this competition: in 1988, Canada lowered its flag to Czechoslovakia in the so-called Fed Cup.
Nevertheless, captain Heidi El Tabakh’s team has several reasons to look to the future with confidence. Firstly, young Marina Stakusic’s prowess is an unexpected cause for celebration. The 18-year-old, who is ranked 258th in the WTA circuit, defeated Rebeka Masarova (65th) and Magdalena Frech (63rd) this week.
“I think the most important thing for me is to keep fighting and working and trying to find a solution and find myself in my comfort zone,” she told the media, as Sportsnet reported THURSDAY. Because when I feel good, I can play really well.”
Quebecers respond
For their part, the Quebec women in the national contingent do not have to embarrass themselves with their performances, as does the rest of the team, completed by Gabriela Dabrowski and Rebecca Marino. Fernandez won both singles matches, while “Genie” did the same in doubles with Dabrowski at his side.
Judging by Fernandez’s words, there will be no lack of motivation. She has a very specific source of inspiration in mind.
“It means everything to me,” she told reporters. Reaching the semi-finals of the World Tennis Championships proves that Canada is on the rise and continuing to improve in the sport. Now we want to reproduce what men [canadiens] did it by winning the Davis Cup [en 2022].”
– In the other duel of the Final Four, Italy will face Slovenia. The final takes place on Sunday. The TVA Sports 2 channel will broadcast Canada’s semifinals on Saturday from 10 a.m.