By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 26, 2023
Kathy Rinaldi's seven-year run as Billie Jean King Cup Captain will end in November.
Photo Source: USTA
Kathy Rinaldi led Team USA to its record 32nd Billie Jean King Cup title in 2017. Now it’s time for the longtime captain to step down.
Rinaldi will hand over the reins to a successor after this year’s finals, but will remain at her post as the Head of Women’s Tennis at USTA Player Development.
In 2017 Rinaldi, appointed captain of the U.S. team in December 2016, became the first U.S. captain since 1986 to win the title in their first year. Additionally, the U.S. team reached the final in 2018 and the semifinals in 2021, producing an 11-5 record during the former World No.7’s tenure.
Rinaldi will bid for one last hurrah this November, when Team USA travels to the BJK Cup finals in Seville, Spain to compete in Group A alongside defending champion Switzerland and the Czech Republic in hopes of advancing to the knockout semifinals.
“Having the distinct role of being named Captain of the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup Team was one of the greatest honors of my life,” Rinaldi said in a statement. “It has been an incredible ride for six-plus years!
"Even though I’m stepping down as Captain, I’m extremely excited to continue dedicating my time and effort toward supporting our American players as the USTA’s Head of Women’s Tennis. I’m also excited to see what’s next in my journey to impact this most amazing sport on a broader scale. Let’s go, USA!”