Masa Zec Peskiric, Veronika Erjavec, Kaja Juvan and Tea Starc during press conference of Tenis Slovenija prior to Billie Jean King Cup 2026, on April 8, 2026 in Tenis Center Portoroz, Portoroz, Slovenia. Photo by Nik Moder / Sportida
Slovenia made its debut at the World Cup of tennis in 2023, when they reached the semifinals but lost to Italy. Just like then, the team also includes Veronika Erjavec (WTA No. 99), Kaja Juvan (WTA No. 105), and Tamara Zidanšek (WTA No. 128). Also part of the squad in Portorož are Dalila Jakupović, Nika Radišić, and Alja Senica. The team captain is Maša Zec Peškirič.
On the other side, the Spanish national team—currently ranked fifth in the world and a five-time champion (most recently in 1998)—will compete with a reduced lineup. Captain Carla Suárez Navarro will be without Cristina Bucșa, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and Paula Badosa, who was ranked as high as world No. 2 in 2022. Spain’s top player will therefore be Kaitlin Quevedo (WTA No. 127), joined by Leyre Romero Gormaz, Guiomar Maristany Zuleta de Reales, Aliona Bolsova (winner of the WTT tournament in Koper in 2023), and Sara Sorribes Tormo.
The Slovenian team is cautiously accepting the role of potential favorites. The focus remains on their own game and a strong team approach. “We are not focusing on rankings or numbers, as we want to keep our attention on ourselves and on each match individually. We need to take it step by step and prepare well for every match. The fact is that our players are in good form and, especially on home soil with the support of the crowd, they can beat anyone,” emphasized captain Maša Zec Peškirič.
Photo: Nik Moder / Sportida
Last year in India, Slovenia showed outstanding team spirit to defeat the host nation and the Netherlands, securing a place in the decisive qualifying round. “In India, we had a phenomenal time. The girls created a real team spirit, supported each other, and ultimately won, so it wasn’t difficult to convince them to come to Portorož,” added captain Maša Zec Peškirič.
“I’m happy to have these players available here in Portorož. They’ve been playing really well in recent months, so I believe they are well prepared. Of course, we are missing some of our best players, but there’s nothing we can do about that. That’s why I’m satisfied with the players who are here. We’re really enjoying Portorož. The weather is great. The court is good. That’s it—we’re ready. Let’s create a spectacle this weekend,” said captain Carla Suárez Navarro.
Slovenian players Veronika Erjavec and Kaja Juvan attended the press conference, stating that the conditions on the Slovenian coast are excellent, the weather is favorable, and most importantly, they are all looking forward to playing again on the center court, which has not hosted a tennis match since the WTA 125 tournament in 2022.
Photos are available on the TS website.
Friday, April 10 – starting at 13:00
Two singles matches are scheduled.
Saturday, April 11 – starting at 11:00
A doubles match and a singles match are scheduled; further play depends on the result.
Tickets are available via the link or at Petrol sales points.
Matches will also be broadcast live on Sport Klub.
See you in Portorož – tennis regards!