On Wednesday, Marina Stakusic scored the greatest win of her career to help Canada overcome host Spain 3-0 in Group C of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The 18-year-old Stakusic upset No. 65 Rebeka Masarova 6-3, 6-1 to win Canada its first point of the day at La Cartuja Stadium.
Stakusic’s previous career-high win came in 2022 against No. 152 Jaimee Fourlis. She’d never beaten a top 100 opponent before. Leylah Fernandez won the second point for Canada, defeating Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (8), 7-6 (7). Eugenie Bouchard and Gabriela Dabrowski won the doubles match 6-2, 7-5 over Sorribes Tormo and Maria Masarova. Also read: Wimbledon’s Grand Vision: A New Stadium and 38 Courts
“This is such a special feeling and makes me believe that I belong here,” Stakusic said. “It is also super special to win in front of all the Canadians who I have worked with for a long time. What a feeling — it is the most meaningful win for me so far — and it will give me so much confidence going forward.”
Italy overcame France 2-1 in Group D, thanks to early victory in the singles matches. Martina Trevisan outlasted Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Jasmine Paolini defeated Caroline Garcia 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4. Also read: Billie Jean King Cup Finals Prize Money Rises To $9.6 Million, ITF Says
Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic rallied from behind to overcome Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Trevisan 5-7, 6-2, 10-6 in the doubles match.
The BJK Cup Finals feature 12 teams competing in four round-robin groups, with the winners advancing to the semifinals this weekend. Also read: 7 Unknown Facts about Carlos Alcaraz that you never knew