Canada has the task of defending their
Billie Jean King Cup Finals title which saw Leylah Fernandez anchor their efforts in 2023. But they won't be backed up by
Bianca Andreescu who has withdrawn from the field in Malaga.
The team is now led by Leylah Fernandez, Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski and Marina Stakusic. They are looking to become the first team since Czechia in 2016 to defend their title. This also gives Great Britain or Germany a boost as they face Canada in the Quarter-Finals on November 17.
Albeit last year, Andreescu was injured so didn't play anyway so it is almost the same line-up without Eugenie Bouchard also. Battling injuries all season, Andreescu returned to action in October. She reached the Quarter-Finals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open albeit this was due to retirement mid match for Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Her form otherwise has not been at its best but the 24-year-old has decided that while recent results have gone in the right direction, she is not ready to play again next week. Citing rest and recovery being crucial for her to reach top form, it is more caution ahead of a busy 2025 season being cited.
“I’m disappointed not to be in a position to join the team in Malaga, but I have faith in their ability to defend the title,” said Andreescu. “Our team has a great energy and dynamic. If anyone can win back-to-back titles, it’s these players.”
“We are sad to see Bianca [Andreescu] withdraw from the team for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, and we wish her the best as she attempts to return to 100 per cent health,” said El Tabakh, captain of Team Canada.
“That said, we have a resilient and strong team that not only has the potential to win the tournament, but has proven they can do so with the historic victory in 2023. We also understand how difficult it can be to defend a title, not just in tennis but in all professional sports, and we look forward to the challenge and to getting things rolling in a few weeks’ time against either the Brits or the Germans.”