Kathy Rinaldi Named Next U.S. Fed Cup Captain

December 9, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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The next captain of the United States Fed Cup team will be former top 10 player Kathy Rinaldi, the USTA announced on Thursday.

Rinaldi takes over for Mary Joe Fernandez, who stepped down from the role in October following eight years as the captain.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity, and I am incredibly excited and honored to take on the position of U.S. Fed Cup captain,” Rinaldi said to the USTA. “I believe that my experiences as both a player and a coach have given me insight that will help me to succeed in this role and can assist in getting the U.S. Fed Cup team to the next level.”

Rinaldi has been working in USTA’s player development program, and has coached the U.S. 16-and-under junior team to Fed Cup titles in 2012 and 2014.

As a player, she was ranked as high as seventh in the world in singles and 13th in doubles, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in singles in 1985 and reached four Grand Slam doubles semifinals in her career.

“Kathy brings a rare combination of skills to the Fed Cup captaincy,” said USTA Chairman and President Katrina Adams. “Kathy already commands the respect and confidence of the U.S. players. This coupled with her leadership experience and winning mentality makes her the ideal individual to ensure that the team is best composed, and best prepared to compete with whatever opponent is across the net.”

Rinaldi will make her coaching debut with the team in February, when the United States welcomes Germany in a World Group first round matchup. 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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