The Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) has announced that Carla Suarez Navarro, a celebrated former professional tennis player, will take on the role of captain for Spain’s Billie Jean King Cup team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Hailing from Gran Canaria, Suarez Navarro is set to make her coaching debut during the competition’s group stage in April, with the draw slated for late January. Speaking about her appointment, Suarez Navarro expressed her gratitude:
It is a great honor to take on the captaincy of the Spanish Billie Jean King Cup team, and I am grateful to the Federation for the trust they have placed in me for this challenge. For many years, I had the opportunity to represent my country, and now I approach this new phase from the bench with great excitement
The 36-year-old steps into the position following Anabel Medina, who ended her tenure as coach last November after leading the team for seven seasons. Medina’s departure came after the Finals in Malaga, where she closed a significant chapter in Spanish tennis history.
As a player, Suarez Navarro reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in February 2016, becoming the first Spanish woman to break into the Top 10 since legends Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Conchita Martinez. Her on-court achievements include two WTA singles titles—Oeiras in 2014 and Doha in 2016—from a total of 11 finals played. She also made seven Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances.
Suarez Navarro’s connection with the Billie Jean King Cup runs deep. She retired from professional tennis at the 2021 Finals in Prague, choosing the event as the stage for her farewell. Over her career, she represented Spain in 17 ties, leaving an indelible mark on the competition.
Her retirement season was particularly poignant. After overcoming cancer diagnosed in 2020, Suarez Navarro returned to play all four Grand Slam tournaments and participated in her fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo. Reflecting on her career, the RFET noted her perseverance and resilience as hallmarks of her legacy.
In addition to her storied tennis career, Suarez Navarro has embraced new personal milestones. In June 2023, she and her partner, Spanish soccer player Olga Garcia, welcomed twin daughters, Noa and Ona, bringing a new dimension of joy to the former athlete’s life. (source: Footboom)
