Billie Jean King Cup: Who Is the 25-YO American WTA Star Making Her Debut for Team USA

The 2024 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers are set to get underway from 12 April- 13 April. 16 teams will feature in this qualifiers out of which 8 teams will eventually advance to November’s season-ending BJK Cup Finals in Seville, Spain. Team USA might have to step onto the court this time without Coco Gauff, as they take on Belgium at the USTA National Campus, Orlando in the qualifiers. This time, Taylor Townsend and Caroline Dolehide will probably be the new doubles duo for the US Captain Lindsay Davenport. But who’s Caroline Dolehide?

The 25-year-old tennis player from Orlando, FL first came into the headlines with her stellar performance reaching the WTA 1000 finals in Guadalajara in 2019. She has won 8 ITF titles so far in her singles career. Dolehide reached her career-high singles ranking of world number 41 in October 2022. She’s currently placed at the 48th spot in the women’s singles ranking.

As a junior player, Caroline Dolehide was a two-time major tournament finalist in doubles and she made her WTA Tour debut in 2017. She won her first WTA Tour title in doubles in 2021 at the Monterrey Open in Mexico. This right-handed tennis has impressed the tennis world with her aggressive style of play and powerful forehands. She is currently coached by the American coach, Jorge Todero. Sports runs in her blood and as a result, she has seen rapid growth over the last few years. Her two sisters are also in tennis while her brother plays golf for FAU.

Can she help Team USA do wonders by reaching the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup where some heavyweights like Canada (2023 champion), Italy (2023 runners-up), Spain (host), and Czechia (wild card) await? The USA has a formidable team this time around, making them favorites to win the title.

Here’s why Team USA is among the favorites in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup

Team USA will be looking forward to their record-extending 19th title in the Billie Jean King Cup this year. Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Madison Keys will be taking the charge to lead their nation in the qualifiers. Navarro had a stellar season so far this year. Dolehide and Townsend both are Top 60 players and are quite lethal partners in doubles events. They have proven it time and again in their careers.

And if they somehow manage to qualify for the main event, then it’s quite likely that Coco Gauff may also join them later this year. Even Danielle Collins, who’s currently in red-hot form, may also join the team along with Sofia Kenin and Peyton Stearns. So there are plenty of options in hand for the new captain, Lindsay Davenport this year. What are your thoughts on Team USA?

READ MORE: Who Is Coco Gauff’s Australian Open Opponent Caroline Dolehide? Everything to Know About the UCLA Alumni