Paola Suárez: New Era for Argentina Women’s Team

The parchment Paola Suarez was officially presented this Wednesday as new captain of the Argentine women’s national team tennis in the Billie Jean King Cupbecoming the 19th captain in the history of the national team. The event took place at the facilities of the Hacoaj Nautical Club and was attended by authorities from the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT), members of the coaching staff and a large group of players.

Suárez’s appointment marks the beginning of a new cycle for Argentine women’s tennis and, at the same time, represents a source of pride for Pergaminowhich onc again plays a central role on the national and international scene.

“Representing the country is something extremely vital and selective”

Former world number 1 in doubles, winner of eight Grand Slam titles and Olympic medalist in Athens 2004, Suárez took on the challenge with emotion and conviction. During the press conference he expressed: “I am happy to be able to give the players the experience that all these years of tennis gave me.”

The brand new captain also highlighted the symbolic and sporting value of wearing the Argentine shirt: “For me, the biggest challenge is to make them understand that representing the country is something extremely critically important and selective, that not everyone has that possibility. Some have already experienced it and know the adrenaline that this means.”

Accompanied by the vice presidents of the AAT,Mariano Zabaleta y Florence Labatand for the vice captain Mariano Hood -2016 Davis Cup champion as part of the work team-,the woman from Pergamin pointed out that this new role finds her at an ideal moment in her life. “Now I appear in tennis from another place, I am on the other side. What I most want to achieve is to connect with the players, give them confidence and so that they can lean on me in the face of any problem they may have”he stated.

and he added: “It came at a very good moment in my life and, in fact, I am totally willing to do it. I think I can contribute, and that also helped me decide. I feel like I have things to give. And, also, there is the fact of meeting Mariano (Zabaleta), with Flor (Labat), with El Niño (Hood)… It’s like going back in time, like being transported back 20 or 30 years.”

Suárez replaces Mercedes paz (he spent seven seasons at the head of the national team) and will have his official debut in the Americas I Groupwhich will be disputed April 8 to 11 in IbaguéColombia, instance that will grant two places for the playoffs November, in which tickets to the 2027 Qualifiers will be put up for grabs.