BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

September 26, 2026

Tathiana Garbin

Jasmine Paolini

Tyra Grant

Team Italy

Press Conference

Team Ukraine - 2

Team Italy - 0

THE MODERATOR: Tathiana, not the result you wanted. What an amazing run. Can you summarize a bit this week and your experiences at the Billie Jean King Cup.

CAPTAIN GARBIN: Yeah, I'm so proud of my player because they honor this T-shirt, our country. I feel very, very proud of them because every time they give everything they could.

In this case, Jassy, she play an amazing match the other day. Was a little tired. But obviously not excuse. We have to think what we have done all this year.

I more than proud of these players. Today Tyra, she just play for the first time. Is not easy. A lot of tension.

But I'm happy for what we have done all these years.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Tathiana, can you explain a little bit about Team Ukraine, what you made of their level today, why you think they got the victory today.

CAPTAIN GARBIN: Well, they have very great players. They play unbelievable tennis. Nothing much to say. They honored the flag and they play with a lot of power.

I really think they play a good level of tennis.

Q. Tyra, not the result you wanted, but can you sum up making your Billie Jean King Cup debut, an amazing stage to make a debut.

TYRA GRANT: Last year I was here. The team won. I didn't play, but it was an amazing experience just supporting and seeing the team go through so many tough matches, always coming up with a victory.

Last round with China wasn't easy, as well. They played really well. Today wasn't easy. Speaking for Jasmine's match, I think they both played well. On my match, of course it's not easy to play the first time with the Italian flag. But it was a good experience.

Obviously it's hard to see all the positives now, but I'm glad I got a call to play, I got the chance to play.

Q. Jasmine, what was it like still, even though you lost today, having the support of the crowd? How special was that after playing China two days ago? Today they were mainly cheering for you.

JASMINE PAOLINI: Yeah, it's great. It's great. I didn't expect so much fans. Last year, as well, they gave us a lot of support. I'm glad that they did as well this year. Hopefully I have three more tournaments here in China and I will feel the support even in the next matches.

Honestly, it's a pleasure to play in this country because you feel the people, the love of the people, the passion of the people that love tennis.

Yeah, was tough the match. The match was honestly really tough. But I think it's been a good tournament for us. It's not always possible to win (smiling).

Q. Jasmine, I'm from Kazakhstan. I will ask about Elena Rybakina. Last week she got the No. 1 ranking. What do you think about that? Are you in touch with her?

JASMINE PAOLINI: I think that Elena is playing an unbelievable tennis. To reach No. 1 in the world, I think it's something really special. It means you played an unbelievable tennis through all the year.

I think, of course, she deserve it. She's a nice girl. Congrats to her.

Q. Jasmine, how would you sum up the whole week here?

JASMINE PAOLINI: I think, I mean, I felt better with the foot. I felt better on court. I was practicing better than in US Open. That's to me a really positive feedback.

I know that we still have to play some more matches because I play few matches in the last two months, three months. Since Wimbledon I play like five matches I think. It's not a lot.

Honestly I feel that we are going in the right direction physically, with my foot, with my tennis. We have just to keep going.