- We hope that our match will give people some respite from the war even if it feels impossible.
We may give a little hope and I think it is important that we play, that we fight and try to win, says captain Olga Savchuk according to Reuters.
Several family members remain in war-torn Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag will be painted on the track in Asheville, North Carolina, and a minute of silence will be observed for the victims of the war ahead of the first round of the qualifiers.
- If we were to win the final later this year, we would rather exchange the dent for peace in our country, says team member Katarina Zavatska.
Joint dinner before the competition
Even if it is a competition, it will be conducted in more inclusive forms than is normal.
For example, the team will have a joint dinner before the competition, which before the name change to the Billie Jean King Cup was called the Fed Cup, which is decided on Friday and Saturday.
- As hosts, we try to make them feel welcome and do it in a respectful way, well aware of the difficult feelings they are struggling with as a result of the war, says Stacey Allaster, president of the American Tennis Association according to ESPN.
The major tennis organizations and other sponsors will have raised around one million dollars for the cause of Ukraine during the tournament.
Ukraine can do without its best player, Elina Svitolina (25th in the world), who has back problems and gives lessons to support her home country.
Although the USA lacks several key players, the team is a big favorite.