Marina Stakusic helps Canada top host Spain in BJK Cup Finals

SEVILLE, Spain — In a stunning upset, Canadian teenager Marina Stakusic secured a major victory, helping her team defeat host Spain 3-0 in Group C of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old Stakusic, ranked No. 258 in the world, triumphed over No. 65 Rebeka Masarova with a score of 6-3, 6-1, claiming Canada’s first point of the day at La Cartuja Stadium.

Prior to this match, Stakusic’s most significant win was against No. 152 Jaimee Fourlis in 2022. She had never before defeated a top 100 opponent.

“This is such a special feeling and makes me believe that I belong here,” Stakusic said. “It is also super special to win in front of all the Canadians who I have worked with for a long time. What a feeling — it is the most meaningful win for me so far — and it will give me so much confidence going forward.”

Leylah Fernandez added Canada’s second point by narrowly defeating Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (8), 7-6 (7).

In the doubles, Eugenie Bouchard and Gabriela Dabrowski prevailed over Sorribes Tormo and Masarova with a score of 6-2, 7-5.

Meanwhile, in Group D, Italy emerged victorious over France with early wins in the singles matches. Martina Trevisan staged a comeback to defeat Alize Cornet with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Jasmine Paolini overcame Caroline Garcia in a hard-fought match of 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4.

France managed to rally and win the doubles match, with Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Trevisan with a score of 5-7, 6-2, 10-6.

The 12 teams competing in the BJK Cup Finals are divided into four round-robin groups, with the winners advancing to the semifinals this weekend.