USA Prepares For BJK Cup Quarterfinal Versus Kazakhstan
In search of its 19th Billie Jean King Cup title, the United States will face off against Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals in Shenzhen, China on Thursday.
“We’re all so excited to be here. Looking forward to competing here in the Finals once again. I couldn’t be happier to be here with these five ladies next to me,” said Lindsay Davenport, Team USA Captain. “We have a great team. We have a great concept of how we want this week to look like. It’s been so exciting to be here in Shenzhen and see this great stadium, to be able to play here. I think we’re all very appreciative and looking forward to it.”
The United States team is led by seventh-ranked Jessica Pegula, as well as 18th ranked Emma Navarro, world number one in doubles Taylor Townsend, 38th singles ranked McCartney Kessler and 50th ranked Hailey Baptiste.
“I think our focus is this week. I really love playing these events. I want to do well and help the team win as best I can,” said Pegula. “I’m excited to actually play the first Final, for me. It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
The Kazakhstan squad will be led by 10th ranked Elena Rybakina, as well as 61st ranked Yulia Putintseva, as well as Zarina Diyas and Zhibek Kulambayeva.
“We know it’s going to be a big challenge, we’ll have to decide,” Davenport added. “I expect that Rybakina and Putintseva will be playing singles for them. We’ll go over all of our lineups and matchups. I’m so blessed to have such a deep team and so many options. Hopefully we’re here for the long run. But obviously a tough opener for us on Thursday. Hopefully, we’ll be ready.”
The lineups for Thursday’s quarterfinal are set one hour prior to the start of the tie. The first team to win two of three matches advances to the semifinals, to take on the winner of Great Britain vs. Japan on Saturday in the semifinals.
The final will be played on Sunday, September 21.
