It’s time to pass on the baton in Team USA. After 6 glorious years as the captain of Team USA at the Billie Jean King Cup, former American tennis player Kathy Rinaldi is stepping down from her role as the team captain. Rinaldi was the second longest-serving captain of Team USA at the Billie Jean King Cup. She announced pre-tournament last year that 2023 would be her last year, and later on USTA announced that Lindsay Davenport would replace her as the captain of Team USA in the 2024 BJK Cup.
This year’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers are set to take place from 12 April to 13 April. Lindsay Davenport has now been given the responsibility to lead the team as the new captain. Can the former world no.1 and three-time Grand Slam champion help Team USA bring home their 19th title from Seville later this year?
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With this new role, Lindsay Davenport has now become the 20th captain of the USA at the Billie Jean King Cup. She has been one of the most successful players in the history of this tournament, leading the team to title triumphs in 1996,1999, and 2000. The former tennis star has played in 20 ties over a record 11 years. Her win-loss in singles is 26-3 while in doubles she has a staggering 7-0 record. She even won a gold medal for her nation in the women’s singles event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
After retirement, the International Tennis Hall of Famer worked as a commentator. Davenport has also coached Madison Keys, who’s set to play under her captaincy this year. The veteran has played a crucial in the development of the sport in the country. And here’s what she said last year after taking on the captaincy baton from Kathy Rinaldi.
“Playing Billie Jean King Cup was always something…” – Lindsay Davenport is quite excited about her new role
Last year during an interview, Davenport said, “Playing Billie Jean King Cup was always something that was a huge priority and a huge highlight for me during my career. I always felt a tremendous amount of pride in representing my country. And I’m excited to do it now in a different role.” She further went on to add that joining the prestigious list of the captains of Team USA is an incredible honor for her. And she couldn’t have asked for a better time to get this role. Especially looking at their squad this year.
She also heaped praise on Kathy Rinaldi for her incredible job of leading the team over the last few years. “Kathy has been an amazing role model to not only the players now but also myself. And I look forward to continuing what she started the last seven years,” Davenport said last year. What are your thoughts on Team USA for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup?
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Edited by
Arunima Bhanot