Tennis Canada announced Thursday that they are making a change to the Miele Canadian Fed Cup team.  Sylvain Bruneau will be named captain of the team at the conclusion of the February 2010 tie, replacing long-time captain Rene Simpson-Collins.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside Rene (Simpson-Collins) and look to carry the torch that she has held for so many years. I have worked hard over the years and I look forward to taking Canada to the next level on the world stage as this is a great honour,” said Bruneau.

As Canada's Head Women’s National Coach, Bruneau has been actively involved with the Canadian Fed Cup team for the past seven years, serving as coach. He has helped support the development of some of the country’s top female stars, including Aleksandra Wozniak, ranked No. 35 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Stéphanie Dubois as well as many young up and comers on the Tour.

“Sylvain has been instrumental in laying the foundation for our national program and has supported and developed players that have consistently produced strong international results,” said Louis Borfiga, Vice-President, High Performance Athlete Development, Tennis Canada. “Sylvain blends his tennis knowledge, coaching experience and leadership skills with values that include honesty and integrity.  Sylvain is well respected by the players, building long-lasting and trusting relationships with them. While he has big shoes to fill, I’m confident Canada can reach historic highs under Sylvain’s guidance.”

Bruneau began his coaching career 24 years ago in Repentigny, Quebec, at one of the elite tennis academies in the country. He has since become an integral part in the development of Canada's most promising talent.  Bruneau also coached Jocelyn Robichaud, who won three Junior Grand Slam doubles titles and became the No. 1 ranked junior doubles player in the world. While working for Tennis Quebec, Bruneau acted as a traveling coach for Greg Rusedski and Olympic gold-medalist Sebastien Lareau.  Bruneau also developed and was the full-time coach of Fed Cup veteran Marie-È ve Pelletier early in her career.

Simpson-Collins, who will officially step down after the Americas Zone Group I event in February, has been a member of the Fed Cup team for 21 years as a player, coach and captain. She owns an overall record of 28-9 as captain, including seven ties at the World Group, World Group II or playoff level. Simpson-Collins’ best year came in 2006 when Canada won the Americas Zone Group I tie in Colombia and later defeated Argentina 3-2 in a World Group II playoff held in Edmonton. Canada reached an all-time best No. 10 ranking on the ITF Fed Cup listings and in 2007, competed in World Group II for the first time since 1996.

“I am very proud to have been associated with this team for more than 20 years,” said Simpson-Collins. I’ve worked with some amazing athletes as a player, coach and captain. I know that I leave the team in terrific hands as Sylvain has been with me for much of this journey.  We’ve got one more win to deliver so that I can leave this team on a high note.”

Simpson-Collins also captained and delivered very strong results with the Canadian Junior Fed Cup team, finishing No. 2 in the world two consecutive years at the world championships. She was also the Fed Cup coach from 1998-2000 before being named captain at the start of the 2001 season.

“Rene has dedicated so much of her life to Canadian tennis and deserves the accolades that will undoubtedly come her way, said Hatem McDadi, Vice-President, Tennis Development, Tennis Canada. “For more than 20 years, Rene has been a great role model and passionate driver of our national program. Many of our athletes and staff have Rene to thank as she has contributed to their success.” 

As a Fed Cup player from 1988-98, Simpson-Collins earned a 20-17 record in 25 ties, including 16 at the World Group level. She holds the Canadian record for best doubles team (6-1) with Sonya Jeyaseelan.

RENE COLLINS FED CUP CAPTAIN RECORD   

*AG-I – Americas Zone Group I  **WG – World Group

Year          Record                       Highlights
2001          3-1                   Lost to Venezuela (1-2) in AG-I final

2002          4-1                   Defeated Uruguay (2-0) to capture AG-I title
                                          Lost to Czech Republic (0-5) in WG playoff

2003          4-1                   Defeated El Salvador (2-0) to capture AG-I title
                                          Lost to Austria (1-4) in WG playoff

2004          4-1                   Defeated El Salvador (2-0) to capture AG-I title
                                          Lost to Switzerland (2-3) in WG playoff

2005          3-1                   Lost to Puerto Rico (0-2) in AG-I final

2006          5-0                   Defeated Brazil (3-0) to capture AG-I title
                                          Defeated Argentina (3-2) in WG II playoff

2007          0-2                   Lost to Israel (2-3) in World Group II
                                          Lost to Argentina (1-4) in WG II playoff

2008          2-1                   Finished third in AG-I

2009          3-1                   Defeated Paraguay (3-0) AG-I title 
                                          Lost to Belgium (3-2) in WG II playoff