Storming Storm Hunter has secured a place in Australia's Billie Jean King Cup team as new captain Samantha Stosur considers the full line-up for the qualifier against Mexico.
Australia host Mexico at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on April 12 and 13, with Stosur facing quite a selection dilemma.
Confirming Hunter as a sure starter was a given after her rise to the world No. 1 ranking in women's doubles and her advance to the third round of the Australian Open in singles. Stosur's other favorites are otherwise uncertain.
Arina Rodionova is the country's highest-ranked woman after becoming the oldest player ever to break into the world's top 100 last month.
But the 34-year-old is at odds with Tennis Australia after she was passed over for an Open wildcard, claiming the governing body has a long-running vendetta against her.
Long-time Cup stars Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic, as well as 2023 finals teammate Kim Birrell, are all well outside the top 100 as they continue their comeback from serious injury.
Juniors Olivia Gadecki and Taylah Preston are other options for Stosur, who announced Hunter as her first selection on Monday.
“Storm has shown that she has great form. Last year she became world No. 1 in doubles and this year she qualified for the Australian Open in singles and made it to the third round,” said the captain.
“She also recently won a WTA 1000 doubles title in Dubai.
“Storm has shown in recent years that she is certainly up to the task of representing her country and this team.”
The rising 29-year-old from Rockhampton is relishing the chance to perform in front of Queensland fans in Australia's first home game since their 2019 final defeat to France in Perth.
“Representing Australia at home in Brisbane means absolutely everything,” Hunter said.
“I can’t wait to step onto the pitch in Brisbane in front of our home crowd and give it my all to qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup final.”
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