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THE MODERATOR: Questions, please. Q. Mary Joe, what are some of the advantages
of having a young team and what are some of disadvantages? MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Well, I
think first of all it's exciting to have young members, new members on the team. Christina
is our experienced one, the veteran at the prime old age of what, 21? CHRISTINA McHALE:
Yeah. MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: 21. And I think Alison is our oldest player at 23. So you
bring a lot of excitement and energy and enthusiasm when it's your first time. You get this great
experience to play for your country, represent your country. So those are all pluses. I don't
really see any negatives. Obviously not having played under the pressure of Fed Cup before
you never know how someone is going to handle it. I think that's a positive regardless because
of the experience and the feedback you get in it. For me's really it's all positive.
Q. Lauren, was this a goal to play in Cleveland, and what's it like to be back home and represent
your country? LAUREN DAVIS: It's a huge honor. I'm just really excited. I never thought it
would be in Cleveland, so this is a really pleasant surprise. I'm going to have my whole
family and all my friends come support me, so I'm just really, really excited.
Q. So tennis is often considered a very solitary and lonely sport. You're playing by yourself.
Can you comment on the team dynamic of really playing as a team in the Fed Cup? This question
is for anyone.
MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I'll start. It is very different. I mean, we're out there most of
the year on our own and it's a very individual sport. But when I look back at my playing
days, the memories that stand out are the ones that were when I was on a team, which
is ironic, because there were very few of them. It's special. It's different. It's not
just about you. It's a week not to be selfish-. It's a week about coming together and rooting
for your teammates and getting the most out of your game and also the chemistry and working
together for a common goal. It's unique and special and something you really can't compare
to what you do on a daily and weekly basis on the tour. Q. So how is the court? Have
you practiced upstairs? How does it compare to some of the other hard courts you've played
on? ALISON RISKE: First of all, I think it's a beautiful venue. I know I wasn't sure what
to expect once I got here, but it's absolutely beautiful. I think it's unique. I was talking
to Christina because she's been in other ties, and she agreed it was something special. I
think it's really exciting, and especially to be home in America to play the tie is really
something to look forward to. No, it plays great. I think we've all had a good couple
of days training. We'll have a few more before it begins.
Q. What type of challenges to the Italians bring? Are their strengths in the doubles?
Singles? MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I think this team from Italy, the challenge is that they're
big hitters. They hit the ball hard and they're aggressive. Good indoors. Probably one of
their favorite surfaces. I'm not quite sure about the doubles. We're used to Errani and
Vinci, but I'm not sure who they're going to play. I would say right the singles is
the one -- you know, we have to look at
the first four matches and take them one at a time. The top two are both very strong players
and hit the ball hard and flat and we have to be ready for that.
Q. Alison and Lauren, you both had good showings at the Australian Open. What has that done
for your confidence coming into this event? LAUREN DAVIS: It was my first time in the
third round of a Grand Slam, so that was very exciting. It was just a really great experience.
I mean, to have the Australian, do well there, Fed Cup after, I mean, it's really great.
ALISON RISKE: Playing in a big event, and especially a Grand Slam and to get a couple
wins is always something that boosts your confidence and helps you throughout the rest
of the year. Hopefully we can carry that over. Like Mary Joe said, Fed Cup is a bit of a
different animal, so you don't know what's going to come from it. Absolutely the Aussie
Open has given me confidence. Q. Mary Joe, you've seen a lot of players
come through the country over the course of your career. How would you characterize this
young group, and what does it say about the future of female tennis in the country? MARY
JOE FERNANDEZ: I think it's pretty clear the future is very bright, and this is an example
of it. This group and the group around them has really been really making strides the
last few years and working hard to break each category. When I started with the Fed Cup
as captain five, six years ago I want to say there were only three Americans in the top
100. I believe we're at 11 or 12 now. So everybody is improving and pushing each other. We're
seeing the results. We have different game styles, which is great, and personalities,
but it's very positive. It's extremely exciting to be part of and to see the young players
grow and develop as people and as players as well.
Q. The Australian Open was famously hot this year. On-court temperature was 110, 115 sometimes.
As you know. Here in Cleveland it's extremely cold and snowy. Unfortunately you won't be
playing outside.
MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Bummer. Q. Is there any chance that this outside weather
affects your game at all? Is it a psychological thing coming from the hot to the cold? MARY
JOE FERNANDEZ: I think if we were playing outside there would be a bit of an adjustment.
Fortunately the stadium is a quite nice. The temperature is warm and it's very pleasant,
much more pleasant than the four hot days everybody had to suffer in. Especially be
out there playing and sweating. It's nice. They get to see snow. Don't get to see it
too often, especially the Floridians. Q. This is for any of you: How long does it
take to recover physically and mentally from a trip to Australia with the travel time and
everything like that? MADISON KEYS: Well, I know for me, coming back, especially mostly
just the time change was a huge difference. I mean, it's what, 18 hours? 16 hours? So
you're coming back and you're not going to sleep until 4:00 in the morning and waking
up in the middle of the afternoon. So it definitely takes a couple days to get back on to a normal
schedule. MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I would say more than a couple days. I'm still trying
to adjust. Q. Christina, you're the only one with the
experience in the Fed Cup. What kind of advice have you given to your teammates? CHRISTINA
McHALE: Yeah, I mean, I've had some of my best memories and just fun weeks playing Fed
Cup, so I'm really excited to be back on the team. I think everyone here has come to a
Fed Cup before, so I think they already have some experience. I mean, I think just, you
know, it's such an honor to play for your country, so just giving it everything you
have, which we always do. I think that's the best advice.