Gibson and Birrell lead Australia in Billie Jean King Cup play-off
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 23:32 · Archive
Australia will face France in a Billie Jean King Cup play-off on 21-22 November in Le Portel, the first time the nations have met on French soil in the competition's 63-year history. The team is led by top-50 players Talia Gibson and Kimberly Birrell, both of whom secured career-high rankings last month. Gibson made her first WTA final in Singapore, whilst Birrell won her maiden WTA title in Seoul. The squad also includes two-time WTA champion Maya Joint and experienced doubles player Storm Hunter, with one further player to be added next month.
Team captain Samantha Stosur said having two top-50 players was 'fantastic' for Australian tennis. 'Success breeds success and more than anything it pushes everyone else to try and get to that spot,' she said.
The winners will progress to next year's Cup qualifiers and move closer to securing a place in the 2027 finals. Australia are seeking to overcome memories of a 3-2 loss to France in the 2019 final, when Ash Barty and Ajla Tomljanovic came close to securing the country's first title in 45 years.
How it is being reported
- In-form Gibson, Birrell to lead Australia at BJK CupCaptain Samantha Stosur has named a strong Australian team to face France in a crucial Billie Jean King Cup play-off.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 23:03
- In-form Gibson, Birrell to lead Australia at BJK CupCaptain Samantha Stosur has named a strong Australian team to face France in a crucial Billie Jean King Cup play-off.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 23:03
- West Australian Talia Gibson to lead line for youthful Australian Billie Jean King Cup team against FranceWest Australian young gun Talia Gibson will lead the line for her nation in an historic Billie Jean King Cup tie against France next month.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 17:00
In this story: Talia Gibson · Kimberly Birrell · Samantha Stosur · Maya Joint · Storm Hunter · Australia · France
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