The Billie Jean King Cup, the premiere international team competition in women’s tennis, isn’t as popular as the Davis Cup, the premiere international team competition in men’s tennis. We asked tens of people in the streets if they followed tennis.
Not all. When we asked them about the Billie Jean King Cup, or the BJK Cup, we got blank stares. Their ignorance was understandable.
The BJK Cup was launched as the Federation Cup in 1963, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The name was changed to Fed Cup in 1995, and it was changed again in 2020 in honor of Billie Jean King.
King, the winner of 39 Grand Slam titles, was once the captain of the United States of America (USA) women’s national tennis team. King fought for equality in tennis, accepting Bobby Riggs’s challenge after beating, and embarrassing, Margaret Smith Court on Mother’s Day in May 1973.
Riggs, the world’s top-ranked male tennis players in the 1940s, opined that women’s tennis was inferior. He thought his then 55-year-old self could beat the top female tennis players. Court achieved a calendar Grand Slam in 1970 and won three major titles in 1973, but Riggs used drop shots and lobs to keep her off balance during their match.
King was prompted to accept the challenge after Riggs drubbed Court. They played at NRG Astrodome in Houston, Texas. It was dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes”, and it was so hyped up that it defied expectations. An estimated 90 million TV viewers watched that match. It was the largest audience to see a tennis match until 2012.
Steve Carrell and Emma Stone played Riggs and King, respectively, in the film depiction of “The Battle of the Sexes”. King also founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. It could’ve been a start of a fairy-tale journey for King, and women’s tennis, but it turned out to be a long struggle. The BJK Cup is a good illustration.
The organizers of the Federation Cup, or Fed Cup, changed formats many times. It was the only way to attract the top players in the WTA Tour. It worked until the tour became crammes with too many tournaments.
A two-month break isn’t long enough. Iga Świątek, the top-ranked female player these last few years, pointed it out. It led to the BJK Cup coordinating with WTA. Nothing came out of it. The BJK Cup, headed by former pro Katrina Adams, couldn’t make up their minds.
For the 2024 BJK Cup Finals, the ITF and BJK Cup decided to raise the prize money. It would be equal to the Davis Cup. Will it work? Any tennis fan following women’s tennis would have doubts.
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, wouldn’t play for the USA for the second straight year. She’s a media darling, but she’s been on and off this season. Świątek is the defending WTA Finals champion, so she won’t join the Polish team in Málaga, Spain.
And Wimbledon champ Barbora Krejčíková won’t lead Czechia in the upcoming finals. It was a similar scenario last year, and many weren’t surprised at Canada winning their first BJK Cup.
Leylah Fernandez showed the winning form that carried her to the finals of the 2021 US Open, upsetting Magda Linette, Markéta Vondroušová, and Jasmine Paolini en route to the title. Fernandez did something that Carling Bassett hadn't done before.
Bassett, a native of Toronto, was one of the top players in the WTA Tour during the 1980s. The Canadian-Filipino pro will spearhead the Canadian squad, and they like their chances this year. Not a few notice a favorable draw and the numerous changes in the coaches and players.
Let’s assess the chances of each team: We take the players’, and teams’, historical performances into consideration. Their performance this season is another factor, a rather important one. And let’s not forget the team captains. All of these can influence your tennis betting.
Germany vs. Great Britain
We place our bet on Great Britain. Home fans have seen the same players representing the Union Jack these last few years. It’s a solid team with great camaraderie. Not that Rainer Schüttler could do anything to give the German squad a fighting chance, but experience would be a deciding factor in this tie. The British squad has it.
Slovakia vs. United States
Lindsay Davenport replaced Kathy Rinaldi as USA captain, and it excited fans. Davenport, winner of three major titles, could change the fate of the USA team in the BJK Cup; USA won 18 titles, the most by any nation. But they haven’t been a contender for quite some time. We expect the USA to win over Slovakia by a lopsided score. And it would be Jessica Pegula leading the American squad.
Poland vs. Spain
Paula Badosa is the comeback player in the WTA Tour, and her presence would make home fans go wild. The Spanish squad has yet to win the BJK Cup on home soil under the new format. Poland would sorely miss Świątek’s services. Spain will win this tie by a mile.
Japan vs. Romania
Naomi Osaka, the four-time major champion, will lead the Japanese squad against the unheralded Romanian team. Japan, helmed by Ai Sugiyama, is the favorite on paper. But Horia Tecău is the captain of the Romanian squad. Tecau was one of the best doubles players during his prime, and his experience could make a difference. We see an upset. Romania will advance to the next round.
Canada vs. Great Britain
The Canadian team comprises the same players that competed in the 2023 BJK Finals - and won. The only change, or addition, was Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion. Andreescu’s presence would make the Canadians a strong favorite in the 2024 BJK Finals, so we don’t foresee Great Britain giving a stiff challenge in this tie.
Australia vs. United States
The USA and Australia have 25 titles between them, but we predict the Americans winning this tie in dominant fashion. Pegula is too good at the moment, and only Świątek could stop her. Taylor Townsend, one of the top doubles specialists this season, is also in the squad. Australia isn’t the same after Ashleigh Barty’s retirement.
Czechia vs. Spain
Czechia, the most dominant team these last two decades, is supposed to be the overwhelming favorite. However, most of their top players aren’t competing in the finals. And Badosa can play both singles and doubles. We predict the Spanish squad winning by one rubber.
Italy vs. Romania
Expect the Italian squad to win all their matches.
Canada vs. United States
Many fans believe the Americans would win this tie, and we won’t argue about it. We’re intrigued at how Davenport would approach it; Danielle Collins is in the list, but she’ll retire after this season. Whether or not she’s fit and healthy for the finals is hardly a factor, as we like to see Emma Navarro making a last-minute appearance. Watch out for the doubles (rubber) match, where Pegula and Townsend are likely to square off against Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski. It will be a close one.
Italy vs. Spain
Badosa will prevail over the Paolini, but that will be the only point for the Spanish team. The Italians are too strong for the Spaniards.
Italy vs. United States
The United States will win their 19th title, their first under the new format. This tie will be decided in the doubles (rubber) match, and it’s a mouth-watering encounter between Pegula and Townsend and Sara Errani and Paolini. Those who have been following Pegula’s career are aware that the 2024 US Open finalist is good in doubles play. Some Italian fans are thinking of clutch time, where Errani and Paolini have done well. But Pegula and Townsend are too strong a pair.
What do you think? Are you betting on the USA as well? Let us know.
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