Kimberly Birrell has been selected as the fifth and final member of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team heading to Spain to compete in next week’s final of the competition.
Malaga, Spain, November 8, 2024 | lis de degde
Now representing her country for the first time under her role model Sam Stosur, Kimberly Birrell is so excited to head to Malaga, Spain for the Billie Jean King Cup final.
Stosur gave Birrell the nod after a groundbreaking Asian swing that included her first WTA final in Osaka during her most successful week on tour.
The 26-year-old returns to the team after last representing Australia in the 2023 finals in the nearby Spanish city of Seville.
While getting back into the team in Málaga was Birrell’s main goal this year, focusing on controlling her on-court performance was key, which resulted in a series of milestones at the end of the year.
“I knew being on the team was potentially on the table, but I just tried to focus on myself and take it day by day,” Birrell said.
“Ever since I was little, representing Australia has always been one of the most important goals in my life and tennis. Anytime I get the chance to represent and wear the green and gold, it’s really special.”
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The Queenslander is back in the Australian squad after missing out on qualification for the home game against Mexico in April. This will be her first time representing the country under first-year captain Sam Stosur.
The tie will be even more special to Birrell, who has known Stosur since he was a child and dreamed of following in his footsteps.
“She’s been a huge role model for me in my performing career because she’s also from the Gold Coast,” she said.
“We talk quite a bit, and when I saw her name pop up on my phone, I wasn’t sure what she was going to say about BJK. I was nervous and excited. My heart was pounding.
“I’m so happy, grateful and grateful that she and the rest of the support staff trusted me enough to nominate me.”
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Birrell became part of a team that included Billie Jean King Cup coach Nicole Pratt. Nicole Pratt worked with us one-on-one during a groundbreaking week in Osaka.
“I’ve been working with Pratty for a long time, but it was great having a one-on-one time with her that week. As I’ve spent more time with her over the past few months, I don’t think I could have gone that far in the week without her,” Birrell said.
“I did my best and even though I lost the final, I’m still proud of how much applause I received that week and how hard I worked to win the game.”
Birrell was joined on the team by Ajla Tomljanovic, Olivia Gadecki, Ellen Perez and Daria Saville, while 18-year-old Maya Joint traveled with them in green and gold for the first time as an Orange Girl.
“She (Hapdong) is an amazing player, but she’s an even better person off the court. She embodies many of the qualities that the team is built on,” Birrell said.
“She definitely deserves it because she has had good results on the court this year. I’ve been speaking to her since she found out she was going to Spain and I know she’s really excited.”
Australia will face the winner between the United States and Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup on November 17.
The tie will kick off at 8pm AEST and will be broadcast live on the Nine Network and Stan Sport.
Find out how to play: visit play.tennis.com.au Get out on the court and have fun!
