Sam Stosur could have just one player in the world’s top 100 when her Billie Jean Cup team takes on Kazakhstan and Colombia across one blockbuster weekend at home in a bid to make the finals of the revamped tournament in China.
The move to hold the finals in China for the next three years is a significant one given the WTA, which governs women’s tennis, previously moved events over concerns about the safety of Chinese player Peng Shuai.
But the boycott was lifted in 2023 and China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen said having the tournament in her country was “a dream come true for myself and other Chinese tennis players”.
“This event reflects the incredible progress of tennis in China and highlights how women’s sports continue to thrive here,” she said.
“I can’t wait to see how it inspires more young girls to pick up a tennis racket and dream big.”
Only eight teams will make the finals in Shenzen and Kim Birrell, shooting for a mixed-doubles title at the Australian Open in Friday, could be the lone member of Stosur’s team inside the top 100, with a move to 95 likely when rankings are announced after this weekend’s finals at Melbourne Park.
Australia made the final in 2023 but will need to get past a Kazakh team that features not only world No.7 Elena Rybakina but also the 2022 Wimbledon champ, and world No.23, Yulia Putintseva.
Birrell lost in the opening round at the Australian Open, while Ajla Tomljanovic, set to be the second singles player for the BJK Cup, made it to the second round.
Australia will host the three-team qualifying tie, at a venue to be confirmed, over three days in the week starting April 7.
It will be played on a round-robin basis, the group winner going on to play in the eight-team finals week in China.
The other seven teams will come from five other qualifying groups, with the winners of those also making the finals, joining holders Italy and hosts China who automatically qualify.
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