Ibagué, Colombia – Nicole Fossa Huergo is embracing a new chapter in her tennis career, one steeped in family history and a burgeoning sense of national pride. The 30-year-old Italian-born doubles specialist has been selected to represent Argentina in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup, marking her debut with the nation and a significant moment for Argentine women’s tennis. The team will compete in Group Americas I from April 8-11, aiming to advance to the playoffs.
Fossa Huergo’s story is one of dual heritage and a deep connection to her parents’ homeland. Born in Isernia, Italy, to Wolfgang Fossa Huergo and Andrea Longo, both originally from Rosario, Argentina, she grew up with a strong sense of Argentine culture woven into her Italian upbringing. “I feel exceptionally Argentine,” Fossa Huergo said, as reported by La Capital. “I’ve spent more time in Argentina in recent years than in Europe. It’s similarly a source of great pride for my family.”
A Sporting Family Legacy
Sport runs deep in Fossa Huergo’s family. Her mother was a professional volleyball player, competing in Italy where she settled with her husband, a tennis coach. Her paternal grandparents also excelled in athletics: Edmundo Fossa Huergo was a swimmer and later served as president of the Argentine Aquatic Sports Confederation, whereas Liliana Hasenbein achieved South American records in swimming and became a coach at the Club de Regatas Rosario. This environment naturally fostered a love for sports in Nicole.
From Arizona to the Billie Jean King Cup
While developing her tennis skills in Italy, Fossa Huergo’s path took her to the United States, where she attended Arizona State University. She balanced her athletic pursuits with academic rigor, earning a degree in Finance and International Business. The university experience proved pivotal, allowing her to mature both athletically and academically before returning to the professional circuit. Financial challenges early in her career meant navigating the sport largely independently, a testament to her resilience, and determination.
“I always liked tennis,” Fossa Huergo explained. “My father is a tennis coach. I was always at the tennis club with him. I think I was born with a racket in my hand.” The decision to attend Arizona State was driven by the climate, the strong tennis program, and the university’s academic reputation. She funded her early career through savings, traveling and training largely on her own.
A Shift to Doubles and a New National Allegiance
After facing shoulder issues that hampered her singles career, Fossa Huergo began to focus on doubles, where she has found considerable success. Currently ranked 104th in the world in doubles – the highest-ranked Argentine doubles player – she recently won a WTA 125 title in Antalya, Turkey, partnering with Estelle Cascino on March 8, 2026. This victory added to her previous title at the WTA 125 event in Rende, Italy, in 2025, and her 12 ITF doubles titles.
The decision to switch her national representation from Italy to Argentina wasn’t taken lightly. She had initial conversations with previous Argentine captains Mercedes Paz and Florencia Labat about the possibility. “They told me they were missing doubles players,” Fossa Huergo said. “I started looking into how to change nationalities and focus on doubles. I decided to produce the change and see if I could contribute.”
Embracing Argentine Culture
Fossa Huergo’s connection to Rosario is particularly strong. She frequently visits the city, enjoying time with family and friends, and immersing herself in Argentine traditions. A typical day in Rosario includes breakfast with her grandmother, complete with mate and 9 de Oro cookies, training at Club Regatas, and spending time with friends on the beach. She also enjoys visiting family in Fisherton and sharing in asados.
“I know Rosario since I was a little girl, so I always felt at home,” she shared. “I have friends in the city and I love mate, asados, empanadas and alfajores.” This deep-rooted affection for Argentine culture ultimately fueled her decision to represent the nation on the international stage.
Looking Ahead: The Billie Jean King Cup and Beyond
Fossa Huergo joins Julia Riera, Luisina Giovannini (also from Rosario), Martina Capurro Taborda, and Carla Markus on the Argentine team for the Billie Jean King Cup Americas Group I. Argentina will compete against Brazil, Chile, and Peru, with the top two teams advancing to the playoffs for a chance to reach the Billie Jean King Cup World Group I.
Captain Paola Suárez has expressed her commitment to supporting Argentine players, and Fossa Huergo’s inclusion signals a fresh approach to the team. Suárez has emphasized the importance of building a strong team dynamic and providing opportunities for players to develop. Fossa Huergo’s experience and doubles prowess will be invaluable as Argentina seeks to climb the ranks in the Billie Jean King Cup competition.
Fossa Huergo’s journey is a testament to the power of family, heritage, and a passion for the sport. As she prepares to represent Argentina on the world stage, she carries with her not only her athletic skills but also a deep sense of belonging and a desire to make her family and nation proud. The Billie Jean King Cup in Ibagué represents not just a tennis tournament, but a homecoming of sorts for a player who has truly embraced her Argentine roots.
Argentina’s Billie Jean King Cup campaign begins on April 8th in Ibagué, Colombia. Fans can follow updates and results on the official Billie Jean King Cup website: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en.
