UNITED CUP

December 28, 2022

Tim Henman

Cameron Norrie

Harriet Dart

Dan Evans

Jan Choinski

Jonny O'Mara

Katie Swan

Ranah Stoiber

Ella McDonald

Team Great Britain

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Captain Henman, can you tell us about your preparation and how much you look forward to the tie against Australia tomorrow.

CAPTAIN HENMAN: I got in last night, so it's been a quick turnaround. But I'm really looking forward to it.

I was here three years ago for the ATP Cup. I thought that was a fantastic event. So now for this to be the United Cup with men's and women's, I think it's a massive attribute to our sport to have these combined events. There's so few sports that are able to do that.

I'm very much looking forward to it. I think we've got a great team. Excited to get underway tomorrow evening.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Cam, obviously another really good season last year. Good matchups here. How are you feeling?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, I'm feeling good. Especially it's not easy coming up against top players to begin with. You can't really ease your way into it.

I'm looking forward to this event. We went out against Australia last time Tim was captain. We're playing them tomorrow. Hopefully get some early revenge.

Q. Cam, could you talk about playing a team event as opposed to an individual event, what that means for you.

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, especially it's great playing as a team, playing for your country. Even if you come unstuck in your first match, you've got another match to play as well. You get to support some of the other teammates.

I love the team events. I know everybody does, as well. It's kind of my first-ever combined event, so I'm looking forward to watching the girls play as well.

Yeah, I think it's a great format for the event. I think it's going to be good matches for us all. Hopefully it's going to be a good atmosphere tomorrow.

Q. Harriet, what are your thoughts on the opportunity to compete in a mixed event?

HARRIET DART: Yeah, it's really, really exciting to be able to be part of this event, to play alongside the guys. Obviously a new event. Yeah, we're pretty excited to start against Australia. We lost the Billie Jean King Cup to Australia, so it would be nice to get some early revenge here.

Q. Dan, have you managed to spend some time together as a team yet, bond a little bit?

DANIEL EVANS: Not really, no. I've been a little sick. The girls and guys had dinner together last night, which I heard wasn't a success (laughter).

No, but exactly, few people come in a little late from Christmas. The next few days should be good. Obviously some know each other well. We have two ladies who are juniors that have a great week ahead, hopefully learn a little bit, enjoy the competition. Hopefully we get some good wins on the board, like Harriet and Cam said.

It's always special playing Australia in Australia. It will be a very good one.

Q. Cam, Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the tournament. What is your initial reaction to that? Disappointed not to play him in the first match?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed. I think obviously he draws some crowds. I was looking forward to playing him.

But, I mean, I think even better for us. We still have a tough opponent against Demon. Kubler slides into the team as well. I think they have a really strong team even without him.

Yeah, I was looking forward to playing him. He beat me easy last year or a couple years ago. Yeah, it is what it is. Yeah, we'll see.

Q. Tim, a quick question on the strategy. Relaxation in the coaching rules. Have you got an idea of how you're going to use the new rules?

CAPTAIN HENMAN: I think everybody's a little bit different, the input that they want to have on the court.

For me, I've spent much more time with Cam and Evo and less with Harriet and Katie. I think you have to have a feel for that anyway.

I think technology being such a beneficial addition for the sport, if it's there, I think use it that coaching element. For me, three years ago, I felt the team in the corner, it was brilliant. We've got a big team and you can create that buzz in the corner, support your teammate. I think it's brilliant.

Can't wait to be out there again and get going.

Q. Dan, about not feeling great, have you managed to practice at all?

DANIEL EVANS: I practiced this morning and I am going to practice again with Cam this afternoon or evening. Yeah, it's not great, but we'll get there. As Tim just said, different sort of concept with everybody in the corner helping. It's a big team effort. We're confident we can win.