Athletes sometimes talk overused about what it means to represent their country on the international stage. This is not the case for Bianca Andreescu. For her, it’s not just an honor, it’s a way to return the favor.
It’s the first time in three years that the 2019 US Open champion will line up with Team Canada for the Billie Jean King Cup. At stake, the title of best tennis country in the world.
Wearing red and defending the colors of her nation is nothing trivial for the Ontarian.
Reached in Glasgow, Scotland, just two hours after landing, she confessed to still being shaken by jet lag. However, she had clear ideas when she explained why it was a duty for her to represent Canada.
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“Canada has given me and my family so much in our lifetime. My parents immigrated from Romania during a very difficult time. They made a life for themselves here from scratch. »
PHOTO HENRY ROMERO, REUTERS ARCHIVES Bianca Andreescu
Canada has given us everything. So being part of the team, after what my parents had to go through, makes Canada worth fighting for.
Bianca Andreescu
Leaving their native land in the early 1990s, Nicu and Maria Andreescu allowed their daughter to flourish. To reach the heights of a sport that was nowhere near as popular as it is today when Tennis Canada took the dreamy young player under its wing.
“There is no other federation like Tennis Canada and I am not the only one to say it. I’ve said it and I’ll say it again: without his support, I don’t think I would be where I am today. »
A five-star team
The roster Canada will present in Glasgow is possibly, on paper, the best of the entire tournament: three players among the 100 best in the world with Leylah Fernandez (40e), Andreescu (46e) and Rebecca Marino (67e), one of the best doubles players on the planet in Gabriela Dabrowski (6e), as well as the young Carol Zhao (169e).
PHOTO HENRY ROMERO, REUTERS ARCHIVES Leylah Fernandez
“This team is really exceptional,” exclaimed Andreescu when asked about the quality of the Canadian troop.
She even speaks of a team “that can win the tournament”. However, she feels that she and her teammates will have to be wary of Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the United States, which are also dangerous teams. “On this circuit, there are no easy matches, let’s sum it up like this! »
A good year
At this time last year, Andreescu had been out for a month. She returned to the game just five months later.
Her return went well, even better than expected, and she reconnected with the sport he made her known in the best possible way. She says she is currently happier than ever on and off the field. According to her, there is no possible comparison between the 2021 and 2022 version of itself.
So much can happen in a year and I think people underestimate how much good time can do.
Bianca Andreescu
Marino wants to continue his momentum
Another who has enjoyed a saving break in the past is Rebecca Marino. The 31-year-old British Columbian has returned to the top of her game this season. She has jumped 77 places in the world rankings since January. She also beat her compatriot Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in the quarterfinals of the Tampico tournament two weeks ago.
“We apologized to each other after the game. It was very friendly as a meeting. I hope we can face each other again, because I respect her a lot, ”said Marino after training at the IGA stadium.
She feels her game is more dynamic, she has more tools and she hits with more confidence.
Which could be beneficial for Canada especially if they play doubles with Dabrowski, which could be the turning point of the competition.
PHOTO HENRY ROMERO, REUTERS ARCHIVES Rebecca Marino
Everyone should be afraid of our double. It doesn’t matter who plays with Gaby [Dabrowski]it will be interesting to watch.
Rebecca Marino
No player knows yet how it will be used, but Marino is ready for any eventuality. “I will support my teammates, whether I play or not. I see myself a bit like the big sister of this team which is already very united. »
After a year in which Marino was finally spared from injuries, she would like to end 2022 with a world title: “We come in with the feeling that we have a chance to win. I think it’s the best team we’ve ever had. »
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