E. SVITOLINA/P. Badosa
5-7, 6-2, 7-5
Team Ukraine - 2
Team Spain - 0
THE MODERATOR: Question for the captain. Carla, can you summarize these two matches today and the week.
CAPTAIN CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Well, really tough. We know that already. But what can I say? I think two different matches, but in the same way really tough.
For me, Marta and Jessica, they played really good first set. Then Marta, she play better the second set. Nothing to do.
Paula and Elina, they show the best tennis they can. I think was a really good match for the crowd, for the fans. Was tough. We know what kind of player was Elina. She was fighting till the end during all his career, especially today.
Paula, you know she was on court after two months at home. She played really, really good. She gave everything she had inside.
So really tough. We are going to try to be back the next year.
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Paula, can you talk about your feelings at the end of the match. You put on some performance, in particular in that third set it felt like you couldn't miss.
PAULA BADOSA: Of course, I'm sad that we lost as a team. I'm really proud of myself because I gave my all. It was a game of margins. It was very tight at the end. I think we both played a very good level.
Especially in my case after two months and a half outside of competition, coming back in this level, playing against I think she's top 12 in the world, for me means a lot. It gives me motivation to continue on all this faith that I have the level to be there again.
Of course, I'm proud of my fight today. In a way sad because I hate to lose, but I'm really proud.
Q. It was a physical match, as well. One of your big goals is obviously to feel good on the court, feel healthy. How did you feel on the court?
PAULA BADOSA: Yeah, I mean, speaking about the injury, was great. The feedback was amazing. Of course, I need matches. You can feel that sometimes I was getting too tired. Maybe that, if I was a little bit more fresh, the match would be different.
But it is how it is. After all my circumstances, I think it was a good match.
Q. The outcome is not the one you wanted, but the fact that you came back in the third set where it wasn't so easy, how much does it change now the expectation for the end of the season?
PAULA BADOSA: Well, the expectations won't change for the end of the season. I'm going to play the last tournaments of the year. I haven't played much this year.
What I want, I think my big goal is to start already looking 2026. I want to finish the best way possible this year. I hope I can play as many matches as possible also, try to get as fit as possible in the pre-season. Looking forward to that.
Q. Carla, only if you want to answer. I was just imagining what would have been the doubles, if you were going to play it? Obviously if you want...
CAPTAIN CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: I cannot because I didn't know. I don't know. Still now, I don't know (smiling). Sorry for that.
Q. Paula, I want to know about how do you feel this whole journey here back in China, starting your fresh start with your game? How do you feel, describe in a short way?
PAULA BADOSA: I feel good. I think this week was amazing with the team. I think we had an amazing team bonding.
Honestly I didn't mention this, but sharing the court with Carla, that I consider her also a friend, we know each other for so many years, I think that was amazing also. She understands every moment of the match. I think that also helped me.
I want to add what also helped me was the crowd today. I think the Chinese fans were amazing. They were supporting me all the way. I'm really happy to be here, to be back. I have great memories from last year. I played one of my best tennis here. Hopefully I can bring that again.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports