The Billie Jean King Cup has returned, with the USA among the eight teams aiming to lift the trophy in Shenzhen, China.
The USA have won the Billie Jean King Cup more than any other nation, but were last victorious back in 2017.
Italy enter the team tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the trophy in Malaga last year.
But many eyes are on the USA given their history at the event and their star-studded team, which will be led by captain Lindsay Davenport.
She has called upon Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, McCartney Kessler, Hailey Baptiste and Taylor Townsend in a bid for success.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesWhat every USA player has been saying to Lindsay Davenport about the Billie Jean King Cup
And Davenport has now shared insight into her selections ahead of the event, along with her verdict on it being played in September, compared to November in 2024.
She responded: “Every single lady up here said yes immediately. That’s what makes this event so exciting.
“It seems schedule-wise this is fitting in a lot better for the players. It’s obviously such a tough year with schedules and traveling and being away from home.
“This part of the calendar seems to be working a lot better, at least from the organizational standpoint. Everyone appears looking forward to then going on to Beijing and some other tournament then here in Asia.
“My biggest thing as a captain is I want players who want to be here, want to play, look forward to representing their country. I definitely have that with the five up here.”
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesLindsay Davenport gives her opinion on Kazakhstan’s Billie Jean King Cup team
Davenport knows all about success as a player, having won three Grand Slam titles and reached number one in the world rankings.
But while she now has many talented players at her disposal, the USA have been handed a very tricky quarterfinal opponent.
They will take on Kazakhstan first up in Shenzhen, a team which includes Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva.
Sharing her take on that side, Davenport said: “Yeah, obviously coming here any of your potential seven opponents are going to be really tough. Obviously Kazakhstan with both Rybakina and Putintseva and [Zarina] Diyas, they’re a great team.
“We know it’s going to be a big challenge. We’ll have to decide. It’s only Monday still. We’re looking forward to playing Thursday.
“I have a few days and the ladies have a few days to get acclimated here. 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.”
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty ImagesJessica Pegula shares how she feels about the Billie Jean King Cup being played in September
But while Kazakhstan will likely post a real threat, it is the USA who boast the highest-ranked players in the tie.
Townsend is currently the world number one in doubles, while Pegula occupies seventh place in the WTA singles rankings.
Offering her take on the event being played in September as the Asian Swing starts, Pegula said: “Like Lindsay, it’s kind of worked out a little bit better for my scheduling.
“The last few years, I wasn’t able to swing it making year-end Finals and stuff like that. It was really crammed into the back end of the schedule.
“I was sick one year, hurt the other year. It gets tough. I feel this is a much better way to start off the Asian Swing for me.
“I’m not really thinking too much about the next couple tournaments. 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. Yeah, I’m excited to actually play the first Final for me. It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
Given the rankings, Pegula is set to take on world number 10 Rybakina first up in Shenzhen, which should set the tone for an exciting tie.