Switzerland 0-3 USA: 'I'd like to captain USA one day'
09/11/2023 14:15
USA have won their opening Group A tie at the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals and will now face Czechia in a winner-takes-all clash on Friday
By Ross McLean
Such has been the impact of Kathy Rinaldi that Danielle Collins has suggested that one day she would like to follow in her footsteps and become her nation’s Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge captain.
Collins was instrumental in the United States chalking up their maiden victory at the 2023 Finals against Switzerland as she defeated Celine Naef 7-6(4) 6-1 in the first singles match of their opening Group A encounter.
The baton then passed to Sofia Kenin and she eventually dispatched Viktorija Golubic 6-3 6-7(1) 7-5 as 18-time competition winners USA boosted their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the second time in three years.
The United States reinforced their superiority further in the doubles with Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend joining forces to overcome Jil Teichmann and Simona Waltert 6-1 7-6(3) as 2022 champions Switzerland bowed out of this year's Finals.
USA now face a winner-tales-all showdown with Czechia on Friday with the victors advancing to Saturday’s semis where they will face Canada, who dispatched Poland to confirm their own place in the last four.
This is an emotional week for the United States with Rinaldi stepping down at its conclusion and the strength of feeling which her players are showing towards her speaks volumes. For Collins, Rinaldi has been a significant influence.
“I think one of my passions outside of competing and doing this as a career is helping a lot of the juniors and younger players, and trying to be a role model for them on and off the court,” Collins told billiejeankingcup.com.
“I have tried to make myself available for any of the up-and-coming girls, especially the American girls, and be someone that they can go to and ask for advice, ask for help and to practice with.
“It would be an honour one day to be able to be in the position that Kathy is in, but we’ll see. I’m sure I’m not the only that would like to do that, but Kathy’s definitely inspired me to more consistently work with juniors and try to help them in their development.”
The US team have been lining up this week to pay tribute to Rinaldi, although Collins perhaps delivered the most eloquent and heartfelt tribute in the immediate aftermath of her showdown with Naef.
“What separates Kathy from so many coaches is her care for us as people,” added Collins. “What really stands out is the way she treats all of us and how she’s been true friends to all of us.
“Whether it’s been through big wins, really tough losses or personal challenges, she has been there for all of us. I could go into so many different stories of how she’s always been the first person to pick up the phone if you’re in a pinch or need someone to talk to.
“I know in any tough situation, I can look over at Kathy and there is a calming presence about her. I was really devastated when she made her decision to step down because I have had so much fun over the years. She’s one of my biggest role models on and off the court.”
Collins will no doubt play a significant role for the United States against Czechia on Friday (not before 16:00 CET) in what is a mammoth tie for all concerned as the quest to give Rinaldi the perfect send off continues.
World No. 33 Kenin may also feature after overcoming Golubic. Since topping the Austrlaian Open podium in 2020, Kenin has suffered with injury and at one stage slipped out of the Top 200, although the suggestion is she is well and truly back.
“I probably have benefitted form being under the spotlight a little bit but I do like to have the spotlight,” said Kenin. “I was very feisty and eager to get back up the rankings and I definitely feel like I’m getting more attention now. I definitely feel I deserve it.”
Evidence suggests that USA are on the march.
2023 BJK Cup Finals: Switzerland v USA
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