U.S. Tennis Teams Aim for Glory at Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals

U.S. Tennis Teams Aim for Glory at Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals

The Davis Cup Finals and Billie Jean King Cup Finals are set to take place in Malaga, Spain, with the United States fielding strong teams in both competitions.

Bob Bryan, captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team, believes his squad has a legitimate chance to win the title. With three Top 25 singles players (Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton) and the Olympic silver medalists in doubles (Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram), the Americans have a formidable lineup. However, they face a tough first-round opponent in Australia, who boasts Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, and Matthew Ebden.

Lindsay Davenport, captain of the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team, is also optimistic about her team’s chances. While they will be without some top players like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, they have a solid lineup that includes Danielle Collins, Peyton Stearns, and Ashlyn Krueger. They will open their campaign against Slovakia in the round of 16.

Both Bryan and Davenport acknowledge the challenges of playing in a neutral venue without the home-court advantage. However, they believe their teams have the depth and experience to overcome these obstacles.

Bryan praised the current generation of American tennis players, highlighting their depth and versatility. He also expressed gratitude to the players who helped the U.S. qualify for the Finals, including Sebastian Korda, Chris Eubanks, Brandon Nakashima, Mackenzie McDonald, and Reilly Opelka.

Davenport emphasized the importance of team chemistry and the contributions of all players, regardless of whether they are on the court. She also praised Stearns, a rising star who has shown great potential in her first full year on the WTA Tour.

If either U.S. team can make a deep run in the Finals, it will be a testament to the strength and depth of American tennis.

Lindsay Davenport Brings Vision and Support to US Billie Jean King Cup Team

Lindsay Davenport Brings Vision and Support to US Billie Jean King Cup Team

Lindsay Davenport, the former world No. 1, has taken on the role of captain for the United States Billie Jean King Cup team with a clear vision. Her approach emphasizes both team-building and individual player development, drawing inspiration from her own experiences under Billie Jean King’s guidance.

Davenport believes that the Billie Jean King Cup can be a catalyst for individual success, just as it was for her. She aims to create a supportive environment where players feel empowered and encouraged to reach their full potential. By understanding each player’s goals and working closely with their coaches, Davenport hopes to foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

While team unity is paramount, Davenport also recognizes the importance of player health and well-being. She has tailored practices to be efficient and has prioritized rest and recovery, especially given the demanding schedule and recent surface transitions.

Davenport’s ultimate goal is to restore the dominance of the United States national team. With a strong roster featuring three Top 20 players, she believes the team has the potential to reclaim the Billie Jean King Cup. However, she emphasizes that nothing should be taken for granted, as every team brings its best effort to this prestigious event.

Davenport’s approach is influenced by her close relationship with Billie Jean King, who remains a mentor and source of inspiration. King’s unwavering belief in Davenport’s abilities helped her unlock her full potential, and Davenport hopes to do the same for the current generation of American players.

Tennis Channel to Broadcast Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier with Lindsay Davenport as US Captain

Tennis Channel to Broadcast Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier with Lindsay Davenport as US Captain

Tennis Channel will broadcast the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier between the United States and Belgium on April 12-13, marking the debut of Lindsay Davenport as captain of the American team. The event will be held at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, with the winner advancing to the tournament finals in Seville, Spain, in November.

Davenport, a Hall of Famer who played for the United States 20 times, will lead a roster that includes Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Caroline Dolehide. Pegula is currently ranked No. 5 in the world in singles, while Navarro has leaped 100 places in the WTA rankings in the past year, up to No. 21 in singles today. Townsend is ranked No. 13 in doubles.

Belgium, captained by Wim Fissette, includes Sofia Costoulas, Hanne Vandewinkel, Marie Benoit, and Kimberley Zimmermann.

The broadcast will feature four hours of live competition both days of the event. The United States and Belgium will play two singles matches Friday, and two singles and a doubles match Saturday, with each worth one point. The first country to three points gets to move on.

Former players CoCo Vandewegh and Mark Petchey will provide commentary for Tennis Channel. Vandewegh led the United States to its record-extending 18th cup in 2017, the nation’s most recent title. Petchey appeared for Britain in Davis Cup from 1991-1997.

T2, Tennis Channel’s second network, will have live coverage of two other Billie Jean King Cup qualifier matchups this weekend: Poland-Switzerland and Romania-Ukraine. Subscription service Tennis Channel Plus will have live coverage of competition between Brazil-Germany, Britain-France, and Japan-Kazakhstan, as well as encore replays of these and the matches on Tennis Channel and TC.

Tennis Channel’s international channels will also carry Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers this weekend. Austria, Germany, and Switzerland will offer Germany-Brazil, while India, Spain, and the United Kingdom will show Britain-France.

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