BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

November 9, 2023

Heidi El Tabakh

Team Canada

Press Conference

BOUCHARD-DABROWSKI/Falkowska-Kawa

6-2, 6-3

Team Canada - 3

Team Poland - 0

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Another fabulous day for Team Canada. You must be absolutely thrilled.

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: Yeah, it was the result that we were hoping for. Couldn't have gotten much better than today.

Yeah, it's been an incredible 48 hours for us. Very proud of the girls, and, you know, the way they fought and performed on the court was really incredible.

Q. Just a word for Marina. Just keeps getting better and better for her this week? Another fabulous victory, showing poise and confidence beyond her years, really.

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: Yeah.

Q. A great sign for the future for her?

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: Yeah. I mean, it's fair to say a champion is born. We all believed in her ability and capabilities, but I think she surpassed everyone's expectations and just, you know, showed everyone that she belongs here, man.

So very excited for her and for, you know, for her near future. I think she's going to be incredible.

Q. Leylah, just consistently excellent as well. That level of consistency is phenomenal. Must be great for you as a captain to be able to hang your hat on Leylah?

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: Oh, absolutely. This competition just brings the best out of her. You could see it in her eyes and her body language that she wants this so badly. She played a complete match today from start to finish against an incredible player.

I'm just so proud of both girls and entire team really. The whole week just had incredible chemistry and everyone is just so great with everyone, even the supporting staff. Yeah, we are just hoping to continue building from here. I'm glad we have a day off tomorrow. Yeah, we'll be ready to go for the semis.

Q. What does the day off look like? Got anything planned or is it rest and recuperation?

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: I think everyone is looking forward to sleeping in a little bit (smiling). A lot of us went to bed really late last night.

Yeah, I think we're going to come out here. Girls are going to do a little bit of fitness, hit a little bit, nothing too crazy. You know, so a little bit of active recovery day as well.

Probably watch a little bit of the other tie. Yeah, we'll be ready to go.

Q. By reaching the semifinals, it's something that hasn't happened for Canada since 1988. It's only the second time in history that Canada's reached the semis. Just to be part of achieving that history, that must make you extremely proud. You must be proud of all the girls to be able to do that?

CAPTAIN HEIDI EL TABAKH: Yeah, this definitely feels great. I know the girls are still hungry, and I think the ultimate goal for us is to win Billie Jean King Cup.

I believe in my girls, and I believe that we can do it. That's what everyone is fighting for. Yeah, again, just so, so proud of these girls. So proud of everyone, yeah.