Bianca blow for reigning champions Canada as Andreescu withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup Finals
WTAThursday, 07 November 2024 at 08:29
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 But they won't be backed up by Bianca Andreescu who has withdrawn from the field in Malaga.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.
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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.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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