BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

September 15, 2025

Yuriy Schukin

Anna Danilina

Zarina Diyas

Yulia Putintseva

Elena Rybakina

Zhibek Kulambayeva

Team Kazakhstan

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Welcome. Thank you to Team Kazakhstan. We'll begin with a question for the captain.

What are your thoughts on the week, if you could share your thoughts on the week, on this competition.

CAPTAIN YURIY SCHUKIN: Well, I would like to say thank you to the whole organization, first of all, because it's a beautiful center here, like nice courts. We all arrive couple days already here. All the girls get used to the courts, trying to get a good rhythm.

Well, we playing against one of the strongest team, but I believe in our girls. I think is going to be tough match. I believe we can have a good matches, trying to win these matches.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Elena, you are on a five-match winning streak in the Billie Jean King Cup. You have a brilliant record. What is it about playing this tournament that helps you find that level and those wins?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I honestly didn't know about the statistics. I think, well, it's good that the statistics is positive. Hopefully it's going to be this week the same.

But it's really important to play for your country, for sure. It's big motivation. Also pressure at the same time. But I'm really happy to be with the team here. Yeah, hopefully we can get the win.

Q. Captain, you mentioned your opponents. It's hard to predict who might play for them, who they might nominate to play. How do you prepare to face a team when they change who represents them in singles quite often?

CAPTAIN YURIY SCHUKIN: Well, on the tour we know all the players. Basically all the girls, they play a lot of times against each other. We knew the changes in advance, so this is why for us it was not really surprise.

Like I said, the girls played many, many times against each other. We watch some matches of our opponents, of course. We talk with the coaches. Basically it's not a big deal.

Q. Anna, I wonder, what is the best part of being part of this team, having these weeks, joining up with the girls, considering the rest of the year is more individual?

ANNA DANILINA: No, for me, I mean, even playing doubles... I obviously love a team aspect of a competition. Yeah, it's always fun for me to come together as a team. We all have, like, good relationship with the girls. It's always fun. It's extra special to represent your country. Yeah, it's very nice.

We're ready to compete. I just enjoy it so much. It just means playing for something a bit bigger than just yourself. It's such an honor. I really enjoy it. I'm sure we can do very well.

Q. Elena, you've had a great season. It's all in singles. How are you going to help this team to win the matches?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Definitely I will try to focus on singles, then we see who is going to play doubles. But I think it's important for me to try to get a win in singles.

Yeah, I think we have chances. The team is really strong. We will see how it's going to go.

Q. The Chinese season is upcoming. How do you feel to be back in China again? You have a lot of fans in China. They give a nickname, call you Beauty. They like your performance, as well. What is your reply to all the Chinese fans, their attention to you?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, thank you so much. I feel the support. It's always nice to be back. I missed the Chinese swing last year. I'm really happy to be back and enjoying my time here.

Thanks again to all the fans for supporting.

Q. Can you comment about the Chinese team. How do you see this Chinese team, if it's possible in the future you play against each other?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I didn't look that far ahead. I think it's important to focus on each team. For now we are playing against USA. I think the Chinese team is pretty strong, too. They have all the chances to go far.

Q. This is your first time come to Shenzhen. How do you feel about this city?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I've been here before I think in 2019. The city is pretty nice. I didn't get a chance yet to go around this time. From the last time, I remember it's a big city, a lot of things going on. It's nice to explore.

Q. Your comments about Team China, Captain?

CAPTAIN YURIY SCHUKIN: I would say the same: it's a strong team. At the moment we are focused on Team USA. I guess all the teams here are strong. That's why they are in the Finals, final round.

I wish China team good luck. Hopefully we are going to meet in the other stage. But in the moment we are focused on Team USA.