Australian captain Alicia Molik has backed Ajla Tomljanovic in her Billie Jean King Cup group for November’s finals regardless of the previous world No.32 solely enjoying two matches after getting back from 9 months out with a knee damage.
Tomljanovic made an aborted return on the US Open, profitable her opening-round conflict earlier than withdrawing forward of her subsequent recreation.
She has dropped to 430th within the rankings because of her lengthy absence however was a part of the Australian group that reached the ultimate final yr and has been backed by Molik for the November event in Seville.
Australia robotically certified after making final yr’s remaining, with Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez additionally returning after being a part of the group that misplaced to Switzerland in Glasgow final yr.
Priscilla Hon and the now-retired Sam Stosur have been changed by Kimberley Birrell and Daria Saville, who can be on the comeback path from an ACL damage.
Molik stated Australia at all times “punches above its weight” in group occasions and backed the gamers who had injury-interrupted years to thrive within the inexperienced and gold.
“As we always do, Australia punches above its weight. We reached the final last year and we have huge ambitions to go one further and win the event.
“I know we’ve had an interrupted past 12 months with various injuries to Alja and Dash, but we have so much experience in this team. I really feel like in the clutch moments they can be relied upon.
“Storm, as doubles world No.2, puts us in great stead too. We have a versatile bunch which I’m really proud of.
“Personally, I can’t wait to get to Seville because being part of the Australian team has always been a highlight for me, whether it be as a player or as a captain. I’ll be trying to get the most out of my players. It doesn’t change for this upcoming tie. The goal is to do as well as we possibly can and show the world what we are made of.”
Molik stated she wasn’t eager to step down from the position simply but with “ unfinished business in Seville”.
“I’m going to give it my all. I’m excited by the prospect of the challenge once again, which I always have been,” she stated.
The Australians will launch the occasion on centre court docket within the Estadio de la Cartuja towards Slovenia on November 7.
Twelve nations will compete within the Billie Jean King Cup, formally generally known as the FedEX Cup, competing in 4 teams of three nations.
AUSTRALIAN BILLIE JEAN KING CUP TEAM
Kimberly Birrell, Storm Hunter, Daria Saville, Ajla Tomljanovic, Ellen Perez.
Captain: Alicia Molik
Source: www.news.com.au
