Billie Jean King Cup 2021 Relocates Following a Long Hiatus

After two years, the iconic Billie Jean King Cup returns on the WTA calendar. And earlier today, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the tournament will take place this November in the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague.

Billie Jean King Cup to take place in the first week of November

The tournament last appeared on the calendar in 2019, which took place in the Czech city of Ostrava. Despite the Czechs entering the tournament as favorites, they suffered a shock loss to Romania in the quarterfinals. France won that edition of the tournament, which was called the Fed Cup, by beating Australia 3-2 in the final.

Last year, the name of the tournament changed to the Billie Jean King Cup. However, COVID-19 stopped the tournament from going ahead in Budapest in April last year. Although the ITF initially decided on April 13-18, 2021 as the new dates, they later concluded the city couldn’t host the tournament.

Hence, the ITF decided on Prague as the host city for the iconic women’s national team tennis tournament.

The tournament will take place from November 1, and conclude on November 6. During the announcement, the President of the Czech Tennis Association, Ivo Kaderka expressed her happiness in helping the ITF move the tournament to Prague.

Kaderka said, “I am very happy that the Czech Tennis Association could provide a solution when ITF President David Haggerty reached out seeking a new host for this year. I am honoured that the Czech Republic will host the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas 2021 Finals.”

READ MORE: In Serena Williams’ Absence, Which American Player Has the Best Chance at US Open 2021?

Can France defend their title this November?

France pulled off a surprising victory in Ostrava two years ago. However, women’s tennis has seen new stars rise in the last two years. In the last decade, Czech Republic won six Fed Cup titles, marking their dominance in the tournament.

This year, World No. 4 Karolina Pliskova looks likely to lead the Czechs’ challenge in the tournament. Along with stars like Karolina Muchova and French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova, they could be the team to beat once again.

Although France could cause another upset, Czech Republic and Australia look the favorites to challenge for the Billie Jean King Cup this year.

WATCH STORY: The Most Controversial Serena Williams US Open Match