Mercedes Paz Steps Down as Captain of Argentina‘s Billie Jean King Cup Team
BUENOS AIRES – Mercedes Paz has concluded her seven-year tenure as captain of the Argentine women’s tennis team, known as Las Guerreras, the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT) announced Tuesday.Paz’s departure marks the end of a accomplished period for the national team, characterized by significant progress and historic achievements.
During her leadership, Las Guerreras secured five consecutive qualifications for the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs, achieving 23 series wins against 10 losses. Paz oversaw the inclusion of 15 players,with nine earning their first caps for Argentina.
Paz reflected on the beginning of her captaincy in 2019, noting the challenge of building a competitive team with limited resources and initially focusing on maintaining their position in the competition. This foundation ultimately lead to a more aspiring program.
“After 7 years of dedicating my greatest effort and professionalism to Argentine women’s tennis, I want to inform you that my cycle as captain of the BJKC Argentine Tennis Team has concluded,” Paz stated in a letter published by the AAT. “It has been an honor to have represented my country with passion, commitment and…”
Under Paz’s guidance, Argentine women’s tennis reached milestones not seen in decades, including having three players ranked in the Top 100 – a feat not accomplished in 18 years – and five in the Top 200 after 15 years. Argentina also welcomed back a WTA tournament after a 30-year absence and hosted a record 14 ITF tournaments in 2024.
Despite the team’s recent frustration at failing to reach the Qualifiers in the series played in Córdoba, Paz expressed confidence that the goal remains within reach.
The AAT has stated it will announce Paz’s replacement in the near future. The 59-year-old former player, who once reached the Top 30 in the world rankings, expressed her gratitude to the AAT in her farewell message.
