Lindsay Davenport named next U.S. Billie Jean King Cup captain

“Playing Billie Jean King Cup was always something that was a huge priority and a huge highlight for me during my career. I always felt a tremendous amount of pride representing my country, and I'm excited to do it now in a different role,” Davenport said. 

“Joining a prestigious list of U.S. captains is an incredible honor, and with the group of players that we have now and their great personalities, I really couldn't ask for a better time to have this position.”

Davenport was one of the most successful U.S. Billie Jean King Cup players in history, helping to lead the U.S. to three of its 18 all-time titles in 1996, 1999 and 2000 when the competition was known as the Fed Cup. She played in 20 ties over a record 11 years, going 26-3 in singles and 7-0 in doubles. Her 26 singles victories are tied with Billie Jean King for second all-time for the U.S., behind leader Chris Evert, and her 33 total wins rank fourth, behind Evert, King and Rosie Casals.

“Lindsay has been the embodiment of a champion throughout her career, and few players have had as much success playing for their country as she has,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Brian Hainline.

“We’re excited to welcome her experience and leadership back to the Billie Jean King Cup team at a time when the present and future of American women’s tennis couldn’t be brighter." 

Current captain Rinaldi, who will continue on as USTA Player Development’s head of women’s tennis after stepping down from the captaincy, will lead the U.S. in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals, which will be played Nov. 7-12 in Seville, Spain. The Finals will feature 12 nations competing in four round-robin groups of three, with the group winners qualifying for the knockout semifinals. The U.S. was drawn into Group A with Switzerland and the Czech Republic.