“We are now, yes, one of the best countries. It’s clear. The results prove it,” suggests Sylvain Bruneau on the other end of the line.
About an hour and a half had passed since Canada’s victory against Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup final when the head of women’s tennis at Tennis Canada called us live from Seville. “It was 90 minutes of hugs and emotions! », he exclaims.
So, what is it like to win this first Canadian world title in history at the women’s tournament?
“It’s euphoria,” he replies. We’re not really used to that because the world of tennis is individual. When you win titles [individuels], there is a lot of joy and great sensations, but to win this competition as a team, the players, the whole team behind the players, for Canada… It’s completely different. »
“It’s a huge, gigantic accomplishment for the girls and the whole team,” he adds.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Sylvain Bruneau
Mr. Bruneau has been involved with the Billie Jean King Cup – previously the Fed Cup – for 20 years as coach, captain, women’s tennis manager and other titles. This championship on the women’s side, combined with that on the men’s side at the Davis Cup last year, “testifies to the progress made within tennis in Canada,” he says.
“We are now, yes, one of the best countries. It’s clear. The results prove it. »
“One meeting at a time”
Throughout the tournament, Sylvain Bruneau was, obviously, in contact with the coach of the Canadian team, Nathalie Tauziat, as well as with the captain, Heidi El Tabakh. Between them, the motto was to go “one meeting at a time”.
The first order was to first get through the group stage, where Canada was matched against Spain and Poland.
We knew we could do it. We knew we had to play well. We released a card from our game that surprised a lot of people: we played Marina Stakusic, who is only 18 years old.
Sylvain Bruneau
Stakusic had just won three Challenger tournaments. In the weeks leading up to her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup, Mr. Bruneau spent a lot of time with her.
“I prepared her in Montreal, I went with her to California,” he tells us. […] We had conversations slowly, calmly, without putting too much pressure. Just to give her confidence, to make sure she knows she has what it takes. Because she played very little at that level. »
The young athlete, 258e world, was sensational, especially in the final, when she played the first match against the Italian Martina Trevisan. She beat her in two sets.
PHOTO MANU FERNANDEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Marina Stakusic
“It’s admirable, it’s impressive, how she behaved, how she managed the whole thing,” Bruneau said. To deliver the tennis she delivered against a player who has much more experience than her in events like this… [Ç’a été] Magic. »
There is also Leylah Annie Fernandez, who played “impeccable tennis” in the semi-final against the 7e world, the Czech Marketa Vondrousova. She picked up where she left off in the final.
“Leylah was Leylah. We knew she was there to deliver the goods and be solid. She’s very strong under pressure,” he says, letting out a little laugh. A laugh from someone who knows his player well.
Almost at the end
This Canadian triumph comes just a few weeks before Sylvain Bruneau’s departure from Tennis Canada. Thirty-five years after entering the federation’s offices, he will leave in December to be an analyst at the Sports Network (RDS).
“It’s still something!” The stars seemed to align. I’m so happy to have experienced this. »
To have this victory at a time when I am making a small turning point in my tennis education is a great pleasure. A great emotion.
Sylvain Bruneau
But hey, now is not the time for nostalgia. She’s at the party. At the time of our interview, it is 9 p.m. in Spain. The evening is young.
“The pressure is off. I think it’s important, in times like this, to take the moment to enjoy and celebrate. It’s part of victory.
“We’re definitely going to do it well, but the plan now is to have fun. »
