BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

September 24, 2026

Zhang Shuai

Team China

Press Conference

ZHANG SHUAI/E. Cocciaretto

6-0, 6-2

Team China - 1

Team Italy - 0

THE MODERATOR: Zhang Shuai, congratulations. Could you please share your thoughts on the match and how it was with all the fans cheering for you.

ZHANG SHUAI: Yeah, I'm super happy play in front of home fans and super exciting. I'm super happy and exciting play front home fans.

Yeah, after one year I want to show how good we are, the Chinese team. We have a lot improve from last year. Last year we have really great two matches, really close to the win, but we lost. Then the Italy, they won the tournament, win the trophy.

I mean, I feel very painful because we very close to the win. So today I want to, yeah, give my best. I'm super happy my performance.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. When you saw the lineup today, did you expect that it would be such a comfortable victory against Cocciaretto, who played so well here last year?

ZHANG SHUAI: Yeah, I'm super calm today. I think I'm ready to play my best tennis because normally every year I play my best tennis in China, no matter in Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou or in Shenzhen. I play a lot great matches in China. I'm pretty believe I can do better again, yeah.

Q. Do you think the experience of competing here last year, even though you lost to Italy, has helped you for this year to have more experience?

ZHANG SHUAI: Yeah, of course. We got a lot experience when we lost. We always say we learn from the lost. Last year is other two young girl, they play because they didn't play as much the team matches. When they close to the win, they start a little nervous.

I mean, I'm 37 years old. I play everything many times. I think I can handle this moment.