Tecau named Romanian Billie Jean King Cup captain

Former doubles world No. 2 Horia Tecau is set to become Romania’s new Billie Jean King Cup captain, taking over the reins from interim captain Monica Niculescu.

Tecau, who retired from the sport at the end of 2021 but played for his country against Spain in the Davis Cup Qualifiers last weekend, is set to begin his tenure by leading the Romanian team in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier with Poland in Radom on 15-16 April.

Tecau, 37, is a three-time Grand Slam champion having won the men’s doubles titles at both 2015 Wimbledon and the 2017 Open, and the mixed doubles crown at the 2012 Australian Open.

He won a silver medal for Romania in men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and competed in 29 Davis Cup ties for his country, compiling a 20-11 win-loss record.

Tecau’s arrival ends the brief spell in charge of Niculescu (Romania’s most successful Billie Jean King Cup player with more match-wins (31), doubles wins (16), and ties played (37) than any other player), who captained Romania during their 3-1 defeat to Italy in Cluj Napoca last April.

The Romanians, who have lost their last three ties, will be looking to bounce back against Poland and secure a place in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the first time.