U.S., Ukraine teams and captains touch down in Asheville for Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier

And fans who attend the matches on Friday and Saturday will show their support just by walking through the doors. That’s because the USTA is donating 10% of this week's ticket sales to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund by Global Giving, and fans are being encouraged to make further donations to the “Tennis Plays for Peace” initiative. "We couldn't be more proud of that,” U.S. captain Kathy Rinaldi told reporters in her own press conference. Launched by the ITF, WTA, ATP and the four Grand Slams—the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open—last month, contributions to Tennis Plays for Peace will augment a $700,000 combined donation from these seven governing bodies.

“When you look at tennis, we're really a true family. We come together when things are tough. We've always come together. I think it's quite incredible,” Rinaldi added. “We’re opponents on the court, but we're allies and friends off the court. We really do care for each other and we pull together when times get tough.”

Tennis thrives here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and both teams are expected to have vocal support in the stands on both Friday and Saturday. Team USA welcomed a sell-out crowd in its prior two trips to Asheville, and according to local census data, Buncombe County is also home to about 1,900 Ukrainians, or 0.7% of the population. Three of Team USA’s five nominated players—Jessica Pegula, Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske—are not new to Billie Jean King Cup competition, but they’re all soaking in the famed hospitality and charm that Asheville provides for the first time. 

“Last time I was here in Asheville, I was actually spectating; here supporting the team. I was still injured. I'm kind of drawing from some of those feelings,” Rogers said Tuesday, referencing the knee surgery and subsequent year-long layoff that sidelined her in 2018 and 2019. 

“The atmosphere last time was great. I just remember sitting there cheering with all my American flags, obviously wishing I could have played, but happy to be here to support the team at the time. It's nice that I can have a chance now to go out there and compete.”

Savchuk agrees. “I think it will be something very special, I would say. I’m sure we're going to have support from American people as well because we feel that, even outside of tennis, a lot,” she said. “We are proud that we have this chance and opportunity.”

Tickets for the 2022 Qualifier can be purchased at usta.com/bjkc or at Ticketmaster. For more information, including access to player and historical records, visit the USTA's Billie Jean King Cup homepage of the official Billie Jean King Cup site.