Kimberly Birrell has been chosen because the fifth and remaining member of the Australian Billie Jean King Cup workforce that can head to Spain to compete within the occasion’s finals subsequent week.
Malaga, Spain, 8 November 2024 | Rhys de Deugd
Set to signify her nation below her function mannequin Sam Stosur for the primary time, Kimberly Birrell is past excited to move to Malaga in Spain for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Stosur has given Birrell the nod after a breakthrough Asian swing that included a maiden WTA remaining in Osaka in her most profitable week on tour.
The 26-year-old returns to the workforce after final representing Australia within the 2023 finals within the close by Spanish metropolis of Seville.
It was at all times a serious objective for Birrell to rejoin the workforce in Malaga this 12 months, however it was key she centered on controlling her on-court performances, which resulted in a collection of milestones within the again half of the 12 months.
“I knew that doubtlessly that it was on the desk, being within the workforce, however I used to be actually attempting to focus simply on myself and taking every day and every match because it got here,” Birrell mentioned.
“Ever since I used to be a child, representing Australia has at all times been one in every of my No.1 targets in life, and in tennis. Anytime you get the possibility to signify and put on inexperienced and gold, it’s simply so particular.”
> READ MORE: Birrell reaches first tour remaining, Jones triumphs in China
The Queenslander returns to the Australian workforce after lacking out on a spot for the house tie towards Mexico in April. It will likely be her first time representing her nation below first-year captain Sam Stosur.
The tie can be additional particular for Birrell, who has recognized Stosur since she was dreaming of following in her footsteps as a toddler.
“She’s additionally from the Gold Coast, so she has been a large function mannequin for me in my taking part in profession,” she mentioned.
“We chat fairly a bit, so I wasn’t certain if she was going to say something about BJK once I noticed her identify pop up on my telephone. I used to be nervous and excited. My coronary heart was pounding.
“I’m simply so blissful and so grateful and grateful that she, and the remainder of the help employees, consider in me sufficient to call me.”
>VIEW: Billie Jean King Cup Finals attracts and results
Birrell turns into a part of the workforce that features Billie Jean King Cup coach Nicole Pratt, with whom she labored one-on-one throughout her breakthrough week in Osaka.
“I’ve labored with Pratty for a very long time, however having her one-on-one that week was so good. Spending extra time together with her during the last couple months I undoubtedly don’t assume I might have gone as far that week with out her,” Birrell mentioned.
“I did the very best I might and regardless that I misplaced the ultimate, I’m nonetheless actually pleased with how I plaued that week and the way onerous I received my matches.”
Birrell joins Ajla Tomljanovic, Olivia Gadecki, Ellen Perez and Daria Saville on the workforce, whereas 18-year-old Maya Joint was travelling with them in inexperienced and gold for the primary time as Orange Woman.
“She (Joint) is an incredible participant, however a good higher individual off the court docket. She embodies so lots of the qualities the workforce bases itself round,” Birrell famous.
“She completely deserves it together with her outcomes on court docket this 12 months, and I’ve spoken to her since she discovered she was additionally going to Spain, and I do know she’s actually excited.”
Australia will play the winner of the USA and Slovakia within the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals on 17 November.
The tie will kick off at 8pm AEST and can be broadcasted stay on the 9 Community and Stan Sport.
Discover your solution to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on court docket and have some enjoyable!
