Birrell to lead Australia’s Billie-Jean King Cup charge

[Pelican Press 0]

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Birrell to lead Australia’s Billie-Jean King Cup charge

In-form Kim Birrell has been named to lead Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifying campaign in April.

After seizing the *********** No.1 spot before hitting a career-high ranking last week of world No.75, Birrell is the first player picked for qualifying ties against Kazakhstan and Colombia in Brisbane from April 10-12.

Pat Rafter Arena will host the three-team qualifying round for the second consecutive year.

Six groups of three teams will play a round-robin across three days with the group winners progressing to the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Shenzen, China.

Australia will host Kazakhstan and Colombia with each tie set to feature two singles and one doubles match.

Birrell is excited to be leading the *********** team in her home state of Queensland after enjoying a strong summer highlighted by her defeat of American world No.8 Emma Navarro at the Brisbane International.

“It is incredible to wear the green and gold. It’s what I dreamt of doing as a kid, watching and wanting to be a professional tennis player,” Birrell said.

“In Australia, we have such a rich history of the BJK Cup and Davis Cup, so to be a part of that now, and to play here at home, in Australia, is incredibly special.

“I feel so at home here on this court (in Brisbane). I’ve had so many special memories, watching and playing in the Brisbane International and training here a lot of the year.

“To get to play a home tie so close to where I grew up is absolutely amazing.”

Birrell reached her first WTA final in Osaka last October and has continued her great form in 2025.

As well as beating Navarro, she teamed with John-Patrick Smith to make the *********** Open mixed doubles final before reaching the quarter-finals in Singapore and winning an ITF W75 tournament two weeks ago in Brisbane to be 13-3 in singles for the season.

“Kim has played tonnes of tennis in recent months, she is feeling really confident and I think in her best form ever, so we are really excited to have her back in the team once again. I know she is pumped,” said Australia captain Sam Stosur.

The remaining members of the team will be confirmed in mid-March, with world No.98 Olivia Gadecki, rising star Maya Joint and veterans Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Saville the frontrunners.

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