Billie Jean King Cup
In the recent episode of the global team tournament and the forthcoming matches.
“I will persist for however long it necessitates and adapt as needed… I’m always ready to make it messy and fight tooth and nail.” Emma Navarro expressed her sentiments on her debut at the Billie Jean King Cup, securing a three-set victory against Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel, setting the stage for her teammate Jessica Pegula’s decisive triumph the next day.
The determination displayed by Pegula and Navarro during the recent intense competition for a spot in the November BJK Cup Finals was truly inspiring. There they were, facing off against their Belgian counterparts, ranked at No. 278 and No. 279, in front of a modest audience in Lake Nona, Fla., battling it out like true warriors.
Terry Pegula, with an estimated net worth of \(6.8 billion, and Emma’s father, Ben, valued at \)3 billion, witnessed their daughters fighting relentlessly for victory, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit.
These young athletes dedicate more time to recovery in ice baths than indulging in luxuries like the nail salon. They are more likely found engrossed in reading The Art of War than flipping through the pages of Vogue. When questioned about the contrasting backgrounds of the players, Cup veteran Pam Shriver remarked, “It’s intriguing to see these girls willingly put in the hard work despite not needing to grind in any job. Their recent performances have been truly impressive, signaling a positive trend for both them and the Cup.”
Driven by a sense of national pride and a growing enthusiasm for team sports, particularly after Pegula’s participation in the co-ed United Cup earlier in the year, the BJK Cup is gaining significant importance.
© BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Putting aside the extravagant lifestyles momentarily, the recent “qualifying” round marked a significant turning point for a competition that has faced its share of challenges. Formerly known as the Fed Cup—often dubbed the Fed-Up Cup due to its struggles—the international team event has undergone restructuring and rebranding. While traditionally overshadowed by the men’s Davis Cup (which has also undergone recent transformations), the tide may be turning for the BJK Cup. This shift coincides with a promising era for women’s team sports, exemplified by the remarkable success of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament.
Kathy Rinaldi, who served as the U.S. captain for seven years until 2023, experienced the ups and downs of the tournament.
“When I took on the role of captain, we hadn’t clinched a victory in 17 years,” she recalled. Reflecting on the changes, Rinaldi, who continues to be a USTA coach, noted, “The event used to face challenges in gaining traction, but the recent reforms, including the introduction of the 12-team final set to take place in Seville, Spain this year, have been beneficial for tennis. It’s remarkable to see so many countries vying for a spot in the final.”
“Tennis has been a frontrunner for decades, and the success of women’s basketball is a positive sign for us. As women’s sports thrive, tennis flourishes as well.” Pam Shriver
Tennis has long been a pioneer in promoting women’s sports, particularly at the elite level. However, women’s team sports have encountered hurdles. Shriver emphasized, “The landscape of women’s sports is evolving. Tennis has set the precedent for years, and the growth of women’s basketball is advantageous for us. As women’s sports progress, so does tennis.”
While top players from both genders have occasionally skipped the Cup due to a congested schedule, the likes of Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins were absent during the Belgium tie. Yet, driven by a sense of national pride and a rising interest in team competitions, the BJK Cup is gaining significance.
“It’s truly a special experience,” Navarro expressed. “Wearing the USA colors, seeing ‘USA’ emblazoned on our jackets—it truly hit home during the draw ceremony. It’s an immense honor to represent our country in this capacity.”
With Pegula’s seasoned expertise as a Top 5 player and Navarro’s emerging prowess as a natural winner, the U.S. team now boasts a core group of dedicated athletes.
© BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
This sense of commitment extends beyond the U.S. borders. Across the globe during the qualifying week, nine out of the 16 top-tier World Group teams featured their top-ranked players, including prominent names like Iga Swiatek (Poland), Caroline Garcia (France), Naomi Osaka (Japan), and Elina Svitolina (Ukraine).
Having stepped down from her role this year, Rinaldi, now a Tennis Channel analyst at 47, received accolades from critics, including former captain Mary Joe Fernandez. A stalwart of the BJK Cup, Fernandez led the team through eight challenging years marked by fluctuating player commitments until 2016.
“I was thrilled to see Lindsay take on the role of captain,” Fernandez shared. “Her profound understanding of the game and team dynamics makes her an ideal leader. Lindsay has always answered the call as a player, and her presence has significantly influenced the team’s performance.”
The sentiments were echoed by the players themselves.
“Lindsay has been a role model for all of us,” remarked Caroline Dolehide, who partnered with Taylor Townsend to secure a doubles victory. “She has been an inspiration throughout our lives. Being selected to be part of this team by her means the world to us.”
Former U.S. captain Mary Jo Fernandez highlighted the impact of Lindsay’s presence on the team’s success.
© Getty Images for ITF
Reflecting on the team dynamics, Rinaldi, who was present on the U.S. team bench, remarked, “The camaraderie within the team was exceptional, a stark contrast to the earlier years. This group displayed immense support and healthy competition among themselves.”
While the U.S. team was heavily favored in the tie, the absence of Gauff and Collins provided the Belgians with an opportunity to challenge. Many tennis powerhouses have faltered in similar scenarios. The pressures associated with Davis or BJK Cup ties, especially on home turf, are well-documented. Pegula, being a seasoned campaigner in the Cup, offered a poignant insight to the debutant Navarro.
“You have to approach the BJK Cup with a fresh perspective, disregarding preconceived notions from the tour,” Pegula advised. “Rankings hold little significance. It’s like starting from scratch.”
For years, the U.S. team witnessed a revolving door of stars coming in and out. However, with Pegula’s experience as a seasoned Top 5 player and Navarro’s innate ability to secure victories, the U.S. team now possesses a solid core—a vital component for clinching the BJK Cup.
The journey from starting at ground zero to swiftly ascending as heroes exemplifies the effectiveness of a gritty and determined approach.