As a former Junior Davis Cup player, Nicaise Muamba is no stranger to the Team Canada environment. His past experiences have been serving him well this week in Astana where he has taken on a new role, this time as Canada’s hitting partner for their Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers tie against Kazakhstan.
The opportunity is part of Muamba’s quest to explore new aspects of a sport he’s been passionate about since her first picked up a racket.
“I think it'll be fun to be around the team just to see what it's like,” Muamba said. “I’m going to try to help them as much as I can in practices, support on the sideline for sure, just bring a good energy and good vibes.”
READ: 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers: Canada Travelling to Kazakhstan with Eyes on the Finals
Muamba admits that most his favourite tennis memories came during team competitions when he played, so there’s no doubt he’ll feel right at home as part of the Canadian support staff. While it’s his first time with Team Canada at the pro level, it’s not his first time he’s been asked to serve as a hitting partner. He regularly steps on court with Victoria Mboko, Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau and even sometimes travels to tournaments with his good friend Félix Auger-Aliassime.
“I think you can see the intentions they have in their practice. How they pay attention to details, how much discipline they have, and how it's not easy out there, they really pay attention to the process,” Muamba explained. “They also have a really good balance; outside the court they like to enjoy life and it’s nice for them to have someone they’re obviously comfortable around and who they've known a long time because you need that familiarity at that level.”
Muamba’s tennis journey started in Gatineau when he first hit the court with his dad after watching his sisters play. He was initially all about soccer, but it didn’t take long for his athlete heart to be stolen by a new sport. He was eventually integrated into Tennis Quebec’s player development programs which allowed him to play and win junior nationals, travel to Europe for team events, and be selected to join Tennis Canada’s National Tennis Centre in Montreal as part of the same class as Auger-Aliassime.
READ: Andreescu Leads Canada in Return to Billie Jean King Cup: Meet the Team
He then went the NCAA route with the Tennessee Volunteers and the Liberty Flames in Virgina during which time he was able to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. With the Liberty Flames, he became the second player in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championship. His attempt to turn pro ultimately didn’t go as planned.
“After a couple years you realize it's not as easy as it seems, you don't go up as quickly as you hoped even though I am grateful for the experience,” Muamba said. “I was able to play in some great places and travel with friends, but it’s definitely been a different beast.”
There’s no doubt that Muamba wants to remain involved in tennis and being part of the Billie Jean King Cup team is the next step in finding the right path that’s best for him.
Photos by: Sarah-Jäde Champagne
