USTA National Campus Gears Up for Billie Jean King Cup Showdown
The prestigious Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round is set to be hosted in Orlando, Florida, at the USTA National Campus from April 12–13, 2024, as announced by the United States Tennis Association. This notable event will see top female tennis players from the U.S. and Belgium vying for a spot in the celebrated 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Structured as a best-of-five match series, this qualifier is one of eight global events occurring in April, with the winners moving on to compete in the finals in Seville, Spain, in November. The finals are a coveted title in the world of professional tennis, and Orlando’s USTA National Campus is poised to be the center of this high-profile competition for the first time ever.
Lew Sherr, CEO and Executive Director of the USTA, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the “World Cup of Tennis” in Orlando. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing a memorable and inspiring experience for both players and spectators at their state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to significantly contribute to the promotion and growth of tennis.
The U.S. team, led by newly appointed captain and Tennis Hall of Famer Lindsay Davenport, boasts eight players in the WTA Tour’s Top 50. Notable players like Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion currently ranked third in the world, and Jessica Pegula, world No. 5, participated in last year’s qualifiers in Delray Beach, Florida, and are expected to be key competitors in Orlando.
The qualifying matches commence on April 12 with two singles matches featuring each country’s top players. The following day will see two reverse singles matches and a doubles match, with a potential adjustment in the schedule on April 14 if a team secures victory early in the singles matches.
The Billie Jean King Cup, recognized as the premier national team competition in women’s tennis, sees over 100 nations participating annually. The United States holds the record for the most titles, with 18 victories to date, underscoring their dominant presence in the sport. This event in Orlando is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of excellence in women’s tennis and a testament to the enduring legacy of Billie Jean King in the sport.