Canada's tennis stars are in the spotlight this week, as the all-female Billie Jean King Cup Finals take place this week in Glasgow, Scotland.
Canada is one of 12 teams to reach the finals brackets, as their team of five competes against some of the other powerhouses in the world.
"It's a very talented team with a lot of experience," captain Sylvain Bruneau said. "They love to represent their country, all of them, which is a great asset. They handle those moments really well."
Canada aims to make history at this year's event. The country has never reached the final of the event, let alone win it. The furthest that Canada has gotten is the semifinals in 1988, where the team lost to Czechoslovakia.
The action began on Tuesday, Nov. 8, however, Canada does not play until the final two days of the group stage.
Here is everything you need to know about Team Canada at the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup.
Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2022 schedule
Canada has been placed in Group A for the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup. They play Italy and Switzerland in the group play stage to start the tournament.
There are four groups at the competition, and the winner of each group advances to the semifinals.
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Nov. 10 | 5 a.m. | Italy vs. Canada |
| Friday, Nov. 11 | 6:02 a.m. | Switzerland vs. Canada |
| Saturday, Nov. 12 | 5 a.m. | Semifinals |
| Sunday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m. | Finals |
How to watch the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Canada
Canadian fans looking to catch the action will have to set their alarms early for Thursday and Friday morning. Sportsnet will be airing Canada's two group play games against Italy and Switzerland, respectively.
The two matches will be shown on SN1, and can also be streamed on SN NOW. Depending on if Canada makes it to the semifinals, the network may air/stream the playoffs as well.
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Nov. 10 | 5 a.m. | Canada 3, Italy 0 | SN1 |
| Friday, Nov. 11 | 6:02 a.m. | Switzerland 2, Canada 1 | SN1 |
| Saturday, Nov. 12 | 5 a.m. | Semifinals | TBD |
| Sunday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m. | Finals | TBD |
Who is playing for Team Canada at the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals?
- Leylah Fernandez
- Bianca Andreescu
- Rebecca Marino
- Carol Zhao
- Gabriela Dabrowski
- Captain Sylvain Bruneau
Canada brings a solid mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance to the Billie Jean King Cup.
Leading the way are singles stars Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu. Fernandez enters the competition in Glasgow ranked No. 40 in the world, the highest-ranked Canadian. She reached the quarterfinals of the French Open this year and was a finalist at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Andreescu is the 2019 U.S. Open winner and hit No. 4 in the rankings that year. However, she has not been able to replicate that success since, falling in the rankings to No. 46.
In the doubles portion of the competition, Canada will rely on Gabriella Dabrowski to lead the way. She is ranked No. 6 in the world in doubles.
Marino enters the tournament ranked 67th in singles. Zhao is No. 169.
Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2022 Odds
Sports Interaction lists Canada as -476 favorites to defeat Italy in their match on Thursday morning. A wager of $100 will result in a payout of $121 if you back Canada to win.
Italy is the underdog at +320, a $100 bet on Italy will result in a $420 return.
- Canada -476
- Italy + 320