Leylah Fernandez to headline Canada's first Billie Jean King Cup home tie in four years

Leylah Fernandez will lead her country of Canada in the upcoming tie against Latvia and it will the first home tie for the nation in four years.

Leylah Fernandez will lead the line for Canada when they take on Latvia in the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifiers in Vancouver next month, the nation’s governing body announced on Monday. World No. 21 Fernandez will be joined by Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski, Francoise Abanda and Carol Zhao for the tie at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum on 15-16 April.

Heide El Tabakh, the captain, said:

“We are thrilled to be playing in Canada for our tie against Latvia. It will be the first home tie for some of the girls on the team, including myself. We are really pleased with the team we were able to put together, and are confident that Leylah, Gabriela, Rebecca, Francoise, and Carol will give it all they’ve got to secure the win for Canada and qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.”

Fernandez added:

“I’m really excited to be playing at this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers. I always have so much fun playing at these ties and I’m excited to finally be able to do it on home soil. Wearing the Canadian colours on court is always an honour and I can’t wait to do it in front of a Canadian crowd.”

The home side will be aiming for a victory that would assure their spot in the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals.