The Billie Jean King Cup in Prague receives one stroke after another. World number one Ashleigh Bartyová or Czechs Karolína Plíšková and Petra Kvitová have already apologized. This year’s US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez arrived with good news for Czech fans. The 19-year-old tennis player, eliminated in the round of 16 of the Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday, apologized to the Canadian national team, which will face France and Russia in the group in early November.

Canadian tennis player Leylah Fernandez with a trophy for the winner of the Monterrey tournament.

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Fernandez has seen a turning point so far. In March, she won her first career WTA title in Monterrey and surprised the tennis world at the New York Grand Slam. Among other things, she won the scalps of champions Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and world number two Aryna Sabalenkova, before losing to Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a duel of two unexpected finalists.

After being eliminated at Indian Wells, Fernandez admitted that she already feels tired after a long season and is not yet sure where or if she will play this year. “It has always been an honor to be able to represent. Canada has given me and my family so many opportunities and in recent weeks the favor of the Canadian fans has meant a lot to me,” said the player. tennis court in an official press release.

In the nomination to the Canadian Union, Fernandez will be replaced by Carol Zha. She will join Rebecca Marina, Gabriela Dabrowska and Françoise Abanda in the team.