Abbie Breakwell reflects on the privilege of representing her country ahead of Great Britain’s 2024 World Team Cup campaign
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British No.2 Abbie Breakwell is preparing for a return to action alongside the women’s Lexus GB World Team Cup squad, as they set their sights on lifting the coveted trophy in Antalya, Turkey.
The World Team Cup is the wheelchair tennis equivalent of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, with nations from across the globe coming together to battle it out to be crowned champions.
Last year’s tournament saw a strong British team consisting of Breakwell, Lucy Shuker and Cornelia Oosthuizen come within touching distance of the bronze medal before narrowly missing out to France.
This time out, the trio will reunite alongside 19-year-old Ruby Bishop as they look to bring home Great Britain’s first women’s World Team Cup medal since 2019.
“Putting on the GB kit and representing the country is such an incredible privilege and honour and one that is never taken for granted” Breakwell said. “I’m always so proud to receive the call up to the team.
“I really enjoy being part of the team and being able to soak up all the knowledge from the other players, as it’s the only time I play tennis in a team at present.
“Tennis is such an individual sport, both for training and tournaments throughout the year, so the World Team Cup is a fantastic opportunity to play as a team, support each other and to learn from the players around me.”
While still only 21-years-old, Breakwell has quickly become one of the brightest young stars in wheelchair tennis – collecting a haul of 12 ITF Future Series titles across singles and doubles since the beginning of 2023.
Whenever you’re asked to represent Great Britain it’s an incredible honour.
Despite her age, the British No.2 is well accustomed to representing her country in team events, after she made her senior debut for Great Britain at the 2021 World Team Cup in Sardinia, Italy aged 18.
Speaking on the fond memories of receiving her first call up three years ago, Breakwell added, “I was expecting to most probably play for the juniors, so to get the call to step up for the seniors was a shock, but amazing all at the same time.
“The hard work and the hours playing in cold temperatures outside in all weathers was totally worth it.
“I remember being nervous and excited on the journey to the airport, which on arrival turned into disappointment and a nightmare as we were told our flights had been cancelled and at the time there were no alternatives - I couldn't believe it!
“Fortunately, the rest of the World Team Cup went well, and I played my first doubles tie with Cornelia (Oosthuizen) against the Mexico team and we got the win, which was a fairytale start for me in the senior team.”
While Great Britain are arriving in Turkey with strength in depth across the men’s, women’s, quad and junior teams, they’re up against fierce competition with 21 countries set to contest across the four events.
However, Breakwell believes that the quality and camaraderie the Brits can bring places them in an excellent position to put an end to their five year wait for a medal.
“As always, it’s going to be tough, but as a team we’ll pull together and be as successful as possible while supporting each other.
“Going in, we know that the Netherlands and Japanese teams are going to be incredibly tough opponents with the likes of Diede (De Groot) and (Yui) Kamiji in their respective teams.
"Whatever happens I will learn from it and move forward to improve as a player.”
The 2024 World Team Cup will get underway on Tuesday 7 May. You can read our full preview of the tournament at the link below and stay tune to our website and social media channels for all the latest results and updates.
