Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches in the Fed Cup qualifiers this weekend, Switzerland's Belinda Bencic will take on reigning US Open champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada in a bid to help their respective nations qualify for the inaugural Fed Cup.
The two will meet in a rematch of the 2019 US Open semifinals, where Andreescu prevailed 7-6(3) 7-5 before eventually
beating Serena Williams in the final.
This encounter will be hosted in Biel in Switzerland, giving Bencic and the Swiss team a slight advantage.
"Hopefully as many people as possible can come and support us in Switzerland - we would definitely love to play in front of a nice crowd." Bencic said. "I'm super excited."
The World No.5 has fully acknowledged the danger that Team Canada represents, but has faith in herself and her compatriots.
"They're definitely a tough team," Bencic stated. "All of them can play great tennis, but I think we have a strong team as well. It's going to be a fun rivalry between white and red!"
The 22 year old will lead Team Switzerland, and she will be accompanied by Jil Teichmann, Viktorija Golubic, Stefanie Voegele and Timea Bacsinszky.
There is still
some doubt regarding Andreescu's participation in the event, but Team Canada has strong support with Eugenie Bouchard,
recent Australian Open mixed doubles semifinalist Gabriela Dabrowski and youngster Laylah Annie Fernandez on its roster.
Regardless of whom she faces, Bencic appears motivated and ready to put on her country's colors once again. The Swiss has been competing at the Fed Cup since she was 14, but she also has aspirations to represent Switzerland again this summer.
"The Olympics, it's going to be special, playing for Switzerland again." Bencic said. "I'm super-excited - it's my highlight of the year."
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