The Billie Jean King Cup is in 14 days and counting, with teams gearing up and training to play on the world stage in Prague. However one athlete won’t be participating in the tournament and festivities this year. Leylah Fernandez of team Canada has chosen to back out of the Billie Jean King Cup, leaving team Canada without their top 2 players.
Fernandez put out a statement addressing everyone’s concerns regarding the situation saying, “After consideration, I have made the decision to not play the BJK Cup Finals. I wish my team all the best this November.” Fernandez has had quite the season, advancing to the U.S. Open Finals where she lost to Emma Raducanu.
“It has always been an honor to represent my country.”
- Leylah Annie Fernandez / TSN
https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1436142322853429258?s=20
The 19-year-old that’s ranked No. 28 in the world had an amazing breakout year exhibiting her skills in the U.S. Open beating Elina Svitolina ranked No. 3 in the world in quarter finals and Aryna Sabalenka ranked No. 2 in the world in semi-finals.
Fernandez’s teammates are saddened by the news of her dropping out but wish her the best in the off season and future matches. Interim Canada Captain, Sylvain Bruneau shared some words saying, “We know that representing her country means the world to Leylah,” in an interview with TSN, “But it has been a long season and we understand her decision.”
https://twitter.com/leylahfernandez/status/1447732828456714240?s=20
Fernandez will be replaced with Toronto’s Carol Zhao. Zhao brings experience and knowledge to team Canada, playing in 3 Billie Jean King Cups in her career. Zhao will be joined by Vancouver’s Rebecca Marino, Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Montreal’s Françoise Abanda.
Bianca Andreescu, Canada’s top-ranked player at No. 21, is the second player that said earlier she won’t be participating in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and would be focusing on preparing for the next WTA tour season.
The Billie Jean King Cup starts on November 1st and ends on the 6th.