Teenager Marina Stakusic announced herself on the world stage by dispatching Rebeka Masarova and laying the foundations for Canada’s scintillating victory over hosts Spain at the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals.
Stakusic was in relentlessly sparkling form and outmanoeuvred world No. 65 Masarova 6-3 6-1 to post the biggest win of her career and her maiden triumph against a player ranked within the Top 100.
The baton then passed to Leylah Fernandez and she duly administered the knockout blow which not only handed Canada victory but also the initiative in Group C as they eye a semi-final place.
Left-hander Fernandez prevailed 7-6(8) 7-6(7) from a tense near-three hour encounter with the gritty Sara Sorribes Tormo to seal Canada’s first Billie Jean King Cup win over Spain for more than 50 years, since 1972.
There was further joy for the Canadians in the doubles as Eugenie Bouchard – playing her first Billie Jean King Cup tie since 2018 – joined forces with Gabriela Dabrowski to overpower Masarova and Sorribes Tormo 6-2 7-5.
The evening, however, belonged to Stakusic as the 18-year-old made it a Billie Jean King Cup debut to remember, showing skills and confidence beyond her years – and her world ranking of No. 258.
Indeed, Stakusic’s previous career-best victory was against Austria’s Jaimee Fourlis, who was ranked No. 152, at Granby in 2022, with her triumph over Masarova meaning she has scaled new heights in Seville.
“This is such a special feeling and makes me believe that I belong here,” Stakusic told billiejeankingcup.com.
“It is also super special to win in front of all the Canadians who I have worked with for a long time. What a feeling – it is the most meaningful win for me so far – and it will give me so much confidence going forward.”
Rewind a couple of months and Stakusic was just finding her feet on the ITF World Tennis Tour following a four-month injury lay-off and was ranked No. 588 in the world rankings.
At that stage, thoughts of a call-up for national service were not even on her radar, but three ITF World Tennis Tour titles and a rise of 330 ranking places piqued the interest of Canada captain Heidi El Tabakh.
