World number 21 Leylah Fernandez has confirmed Canada to lead when they take on Latvia in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying series. Fernandez will join Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski, François Amands and Carol Zhao when Canada begins March 15
Against Latvia in Vancouver until April 16. “I’m really excited to play in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers,” Fernandez told Tennis Canada. “I’ve always had a lot of fun playing in these series and I look forward to finally being able to do it on home soil.
It’s always an honor to wear Canadian colors on the court and I can’t wait to do it in front of the Canadian crowd.”
Canada’s BJK Cup team hopes Fernandez guides them to victory
Latvia also has some qualities as they are likely to be led by world number 12 Jelena Ostapenko.
“We are thrilled to play Latvia in Canada in our series,” said Canadian captain Heidi El Tabakh. “For some of the girls on the team, including me, this will be the first home series.
We are very pleased with the team we have been able to assemble and are confident that Leyla, Gabriella, Rebecca, François and Carol will give their all to secure victory for Canada and qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Fernandez did not participate in last year’s Billie Jean King Cup final, but will return to the Canadian squad for the upcoming qualifying series. The Canadians firmly believe that Fernandez and the rest of the team will win against Latvia.
“The athletes competing in the Billie Jean King Cup are full of talent. They are elite competitors and passionate. Canadians can’t wait to see them play,” said the Honorable Pascal Saint-Onge, Minister of Sports and Quebec of Canada The economic development agency of the minister in charge of the region said.
“These athletes are a great source of pride. They inspire all of us, especially the youth, to lead more active lives. Best wishes to all the participants from our government.” photo credit: srijan stevanovic/tennis canada
