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Prague hosts Billie Jean King Cup finals

Prague hosts Billie Jean King Cup finals

The Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals are underway in Prague. The President of Tennis Europe, Ivo Kaderka, who also wears a second hat as the President of the Czech Tennis Association, has welcomed the ITF President, David Haggerty to the Czech capital for the first edition of the revamped event formerly known as the Fed Cup. 

Delays due to the pandemic forced organisers to make two changes: the postponement of the original April 2021 dates, as well as a change of venue from Budapest, Hungary. Therefore, Kaderka stepped in, suggesting Prague as a possible host city, working extra-hard with his team to prepare an international event in just a couple of months. “It’s done, everything is ready... Everything is finished and we can start,” said Kaderka.

Acknowledging the efforts of Kaderka and the Czech Tennis Association, ITF President David Haggerty (pictured left, with Kaderka), reiterated “I’d like to publicly thank Ivo Kaderka and the Czech Tennis Association for hosting the Finals, it’s really special… It’s really important that we’re here, that we are committed to the 2021 Finals. It’s great to be here.”

There are twelve teams in action, nine of which are from Europe, split across four groups:

  • the two finalists from the previous seasons (France and Australia)
  • the host country/wildcard recipient (Czech Republic) 
  • the eight winners from the Qualifiers (Belgium, Belarus, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and USA)
  • the highest-ranked nation from the April 2021 playoffs (Canada)

 

Over 100 teams took part in the competition, which began with regional qualifying, and they have been whittled down to the final twelve. France come in as defending Champions, while Germany, Russia and Switzerland field very strong teams. Spain is missing its two biggest stars (Muguruza and Badosa), while Australia will have to make do without world #1 Barty. The Czech Republic, winner of six of the last nine editions, will also be a force to be reckoned with, and might arguably be considered as favourites, especially on home soil and with a strong team. Despite the absence of Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova, the Czech team boasts a bevy of top names in Prague this week, including 2021 Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova, 2019 Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousouva and world #1 doubles team Katerina Siniakova and Krejcikova, as well as Lucie Hradecka.

With a new venue, an overhaul of the finals format and an updated name honouring a tennis icon, some of the world’s top players have made the trip to Prague to represent their countries in the #BJKCupFinals. The wonderful O2 Arena in Prague is where blood, sweat and tears will be shed by players throughout the week, battling to win the “World Cup of Women’s Tennis”. 

For draws, full team lists and more, please visit: billiejeankingcup.com

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