Billie Jean King Cup finals offering $9.6M purse

The GIST: The World Cup of women’s tennis is underway in Spain, with 12 nations battling for the title and a slice of the groundbreaking $9.6M purse as the BJK Cup offers equal prize money to the Davis Cup Finals (the men’s tourney equivalent) for the third consecutive year. Booyah.

How it works: The 12 teams are split into four groups of three countries each. Four countries (one per group) earned a bye to this weekend’s quarter-finals (QFs): 2023 defending champion Canada and runner-up Italy, as well as wild cards Czechia and Australia.

• The other eight teams are competing in an opening round now through Friday, hoping to earn a spot in the QFs. Each country vs. country showdown consists of two singles matches and one deciding doubles match, if necessary.

Top teams and players: Team Canada star and world No. 31 Leylah Annie Fernandez is ready to defend her country’s crown after winning last year’s decisive match, a straight sets victory over Italy’s No. 4 Jasmine Paolini.

• But what a difference a year makes: Paolini has been this season’s it girl, reaching two Grand Slam finals and winning a doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Can she cap off a stunning year with one more dub for her country?

• Meanwhile, Team USA will battle Slovakia tomorrow, but they’ll be without No. 3 Coco Gauff, who’s relaxing after winning the WTA Finals last weekend.

• However, the red, white, and blue are championed by No. 11 Danielle Collins, who recently postponed her retirement after a banner year. Aces everywhere you look.