Billie Jean King Cup 2026: GB vs Australia press conference best moments & reaction
• 3 minute read
We’re just a day away from Great Britain vs Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Ahead of the tie, Captain Anne Keothavong and the Lexus GB team – Harriet Dart, Katie Swan, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage – met with the media to discuss the tie and the week’s preparations.
Here are some of the highlights and best quotes from the Lexus Great Britain team press conference in Melbourne.
Watch the press conference
Captain, Anne Keothavong
“This is a competition we take a huge amount of pride in as a nation and obviously it's fantastic to be back in Australia, here in Melbourne as well, it's a wonderful city.
“We're really excited to take on the Aussies, hoping for it to be a good atmosphere out there, and given the success we've had in this competition, it shows hopefully to everyone what it means to us, especially the players taking a huge amount of pride representing their nation.
“If we can be back in the finals again this year, that would be wonderful.
“We are the underdogs on paper, but we thrive in this competition. In the past we've been able to cause big upsets, it's a different type of feel and pressure for all the players representing your country, and I know the players I have here take a huge amount of pride in it.
“We've prepared well, you know, and all I can ask of the players is to go out there and give it, give it your best shot because we're all right behind you. The pressure is all on the Aussies.”
Harriet Dart
“I always very much enjoy representing my country and I feel like these weeks it's a lot more to do with everyone around you and kind of feeling that. It's so much bigger than just playing for myself.
“I've had some amazing matches in this competition, whether they've gone my way or they haven't, and definitely this week I can use that experience to my favour.”
Mika Stojsavljevic
“It's incredible, I'm honoured to represent my country and to be here with this team, it’s been amazing. We've had a wonderful couple of days practicing, and I think we're all ready to get going.
“I think the team have done a wonderful job of welcoming me obviously as a new player in the team. I feel like we all click really well together and I've had no problems with, with anything.
“I've prepared as well as I can for this match and for this tie, so I'll just try and put my best tennis on the court and we'll see how it goes.”
Jodie Burrage
“It'll be a good doubles match. I'm excited to play those two girls, obviously very, very experienced players, but excited to take the court with Harriet and take it to them.
“I think we can cause some disruption there and that's what we're going to try to do. But yeah, very excited to be back and happy to be here.”
Katie Swan
“I was very excited when I got the call from Anne to be joining the team. I was in China, so I came straight over here, and it's been a really fun week so far.
“I pride myself on being a really good teammate and I'm preparing the best I can myself, if and when I'm needed to get out there, I'll do my absolute best.
“In the meantime, I'm going to be the best teammate I can for these girls. We've been, I think we've had a great atmosphere all week, and I love giving my best to support them as well. And I'll be right up in the Aussies grill from tomorrow.”
How to watch Great Britain vs Australia at the Billie Jean KIng Cup
All the action from the Lexus GB team's tie against Australia will be available to watch on Tennis Channel, which you can also access via Amazon Prime.
