After an action-packed WTA Finals in Riyadh, the action swiftly moves to Malaga where the top players on the WTA Tour will be in action at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. With national pride at stake, the players will go out all guns blazing and look to cap off their seasons on a high. One such star who is confident about a good performance there is Taylor Townsend, who will spearhead America’s challenge in doubles. Ahead of the tournament, she made a candid confession about winning the multi-nation event.

Last week, Townsend and Katerina Siniakova reached the summit clash of the WTA Finals but lost against Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski. Despite that saddening loss, form is on Townsend’s side and a win in Malaga will be a cherry on top of the cake for her.

During an interview there, she stated, “I could do this with my eyes closed. It’s always cool, because it’s a team spirit. I never played team sports growing up. So like for me, I’ve always done so well in team environments because I’m a leader, so I really enjoy to create the atmosphere for my team and just to get everyone pumped up and fired up for the matches. I’m just looking forward honestly to representing my country, doing better than we did last year, because we played them (points to Siniakova) and just having a good time.”

However, Team USA will be without their star players in singles. While Coco Gauff pulled out due to a shoulder injury, Jessica Pegula is also down with an injury on her left knee. Thus, the onus will be on the likes of Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend to send the USA through. Further, the tournament will also mark Danielle Collins’ last event of her playing career. Ahead of the tournament, she made an emotional revelation about representing her country for one final time.

Danielle Collins looking to draw down the curtains with a win

Earlier this season, Collins revealed that the 2024 season will be the final one of her illustrious career. The American star wanted to focus on her personal life and spend quality time with her family. As a result, she announced her retirement early. Nonetheless, Collins gave it her all this season and enjoyed tremendous success. But she isn’t done yet and wants to end her career on a high with a win at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

She said, “For me, my most memorable weeks are in the Billie Jean King Cup and being able to represent my country, with the camaraderie that all of us Americans get to share. We have a really special group. I feel like that’s been a huge product of Kathy Rinaldi (former USA captain who stepped down last year) and building a strong culture around American tennis.”

Team USA will face Slovakia in the first round. While they finished runners-up last season, can they go a step ahead and win the title in Malaga? Let us know your views in the comments below.