Canada makes BJK Cup history, Djokovic sets yet another record, and more

Nov 14, 2023, 09:42 AM ET

For the first time in the tournament’s history, Canada clinched the Billie Jean King Cup, marked by the extraordinary performance of Leylah Fernandez and the unheralded 18-year-old Marina Stakusic. Their resounding 2-0 victory over Italy made the Canadians the titleholders on Sunday.

Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, won all four of her singles matches, notably defeating Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the semifinals and contributing to a doubles win. On the other hand, Stakusic, holding the No. 261 spot, who had never beaten a top-100 player before this event, remarkably secured three singles wins versus opponents ranked in the double digits.

This unprecedented victory, as Stakusic expressed during the trophy ceremony, made the week the best of her life. The Canadian team triumph was also recognized with a historic $2.4 million check — the same amount the upcoming Davis Cup men’s champions will receive.

Fernandez, set to play doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski if a third match was needed, spearheaded the win with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Jasmine Paolini. The exultant team also included Eugenie Bouchard and Rebecca Marino, visibly celebrating the moment Fernandez secured the victory.

“This has been the best week of my life,” Stakusic said, without hyperbole, Sunday during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m extremely happy, ecstatic,” Fernandez told reporters after the match. “You know, it’s the first time that Canada has ever won the Billie Jean King Cup. I can finally say this: We’re world champions, and we rightfully deserve it.”

Daniil Medvedev’s daughter Alisa was spotted pushing a wagon in the ATP Finals arena and walking by a poster of her dad. Her adorable reaction to seeing his picture is priceless.

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Jessica Roberts

Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.