BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

November 10, 2023

Petr Pala

Barbora Krejcikova

Katerina Siniakova

Team Czechia

Press Conference

KREJCIKOVA-SINIAKOVA/Collins-Townsend

6-3, 7-5

Team Czechia - 2

Team USA - 1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Congratulations on your victory. Petr, could you just sum up how big a victory that was obviously over fellow heavyweight opponents? How big was that in the context of this event?

CAPTAIN PETR PALA: Well, every victory feels great in these stages of the Billie Jean King Cup and especially against such a tough team as U.S.

It got to the wire, and it was very difficult doubles to decide this tie, very close, world-class doubles. It could go either way.

Yeah, very proud of the girls, you know, the way they played. Was really, really tough, because I think they played really well. U.S. was still there, you know, just waiting for the moment to get more in the lead, and then maybe the match tiebreak would be just around the corner (smiling).

Very happy how everything went today. We have to regroup, and tomorrow is another day.

Q. Thoughts on facing Canada? They have impressed this week. Just thoughts on them as an opponent?

CAPTAIN PETR PALA: Well, we have to figure out a little bit. I expect Leylah to be playing. They have good doubles as well.

It's going to be another tough day, and we want to do everything to be in the finals to play for the Cup, and I think the motivation is there. I don't need to say anything to the girls. We just have to make right decisions and to give us the best chance to beat Canada.

Q. Katerina, big celebrations at the end. Could you just describe your emotions at the match-winning moment.

KATERINA SINIAKOVA: Yeah, very happy. It was a really good match. I think I was really excited and happy that we finish it and the way we played. So, yeah, I was very happy in the end (smiling).

Q. Barbora, considering how difficult the group was on paper, everyone was talking about this group in the lead-up to the tournament. Does that make it feel even sweeter to get through?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Well, I mean, the group was very difficult. I'm really happy how we played with Switzerland, and today the deciding point was very, very important.

I was, I mean, really happy that, you know, me and Katerina we could go on and that captain believed in us and that we get the second point into the locker room.

Q. After all the tournaments you played together, do you have a kind of feeling when you step on court that you are unbeatable, or you still need to talk to each other, to train together, to feel the sensation to play together, or everything comes natural for you?

KATERINA SINIAKOVA: You know, it's really tough to be unbeatable, because it's almost impossible, but I think I'm proud how we played and how long we are playing, because it's not easy. Everyone wants to beat us, you know, and they are coming and trying to find the things.

I wouldn't say it's natural. You just need to work hard, and we both like practicing and trying to, you know, improve ourselves. So it's also the big part.

But, yeah, I mean, on the courts we are helping each other, and just the game suits us and we are a really good team. But of course it's also big, you know, belief and you need to work hard for it.

Q. Do you ever say "sorry" to each other if you really mess up on a point? I think one of you, Barbora maybe, a smash on top of the net, if I did that, the first thing I would do is say, "Sorry." I don't know. Club players, "Sorry about that." Have you ever apologized after a point?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Yes, definitely. Many, many times.

KATERINA SINIAKOVA: I think we do it a lot.

Q. What do you say back?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: I think it's very natural. I think that's how we do, and I think it's just something -- yeah, I mean, I think it's just something that, yeah, that you kind of like in the team and you respect each other. It's something that you do.

CAPTAIN PETR PALA: For a club player, I think it would be pretty difficult shot to run over the court, for a club player -- I think the club player didn't need to apologize. (Laughter.)

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Yeah, I mean, we always say, "Sorry."