The new Italian prodigy: Tyra Grant, 17, called up for the BJK Cup

She's only 17, but Tyra Grant is already set to represent Italy. Considered one of the hopes of Italian tennis, she will debut in the Billie Jean King Cup alongside Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.

Italy is already betting on youth. A few months ago, Grant, 17 and ranked 208th in the world, changed her sporting nationality from the United States to Italy. Born in Rome to an Italian mother and an American father, the young player spent her childhood in the cross-country nation.

A heartfelt choice that will allow her to experience the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in her career.

Grant has indeed been called up by captain Tathiana Garbin to join Jasmine Paolini, Lucia Bronzetti, Sara Errani, and Elisabetta Cocciaretto for the Final 8 in Shenzhen (September 16-21).

This selection comes after her first appearances on the professional circuit this season, having played in the first round in Miami and Rome.

As the defending champion of the competition, Italy will face China in the quarter-finals on Monday.