- Top-ranked Australian women’s player Daria Saville was overlooked
- Now gets a chance in singles after Hunter’s injury in the warm-up match
- Late shake-up has tested new captain Sam Stosur on his debut
New Australian women’s tennis captain Sam Stosur has had an eventful debut as one of her star players was felled with a serious injury during the final training session ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup.
Daria Saville was called up to replace Storm Hunter in the opening singles matches of Friday’s clash with Mexico in Brisbane after the southpaw suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon as the Australian team wrapped up preparation.
Hunter, Australia’s No. 2 player, suffered the injury towards the end of a practice session against Arina Rodionova at Pat Rafter Arena on Thursday evening.
She had scans on Thursday evening and confirmed the bad news in a social media post on Friday.
“I am devastated and heartbroken but incredibly grateful to be with the team and I know I have a great group of people around me who will help me get back on the court as quickly as possible,” she said.
“Thank you so much everyone for the messages of support and love, I’m happy to stick around for the tie and support our Aussie girls.”
Hunter relished the prospect of starring in Australia’s first competitive draw since 2019, thanks to her inspiring run from qualifying to reaching the third round at the opening grand slam of the season at Melbourne Park in January.
On the cusp of the world’s top 100 and with an impressive 10-4 Cup record in singles and doubles, Hunter loomed as a key piece of the puzzle for new captain Sam Stosur on Friday and Saturday.
Storm Hunter is receiving on-field medical treatment after suffering a serious injury ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup
Hunter is assisted from the field as captain Sam Stosur and teammate Daria Saville look on
Arina Rodionova was visibly emotional when she saw her friend and teammate go down injured during their practice match
It’s a shocking blow for the Queenslander, who was the face of the event in her home state. Pending scans, the injury could have longer-term implications for her bid to enter the world’s top 100.
“Storm went out for a ball and unfortunately suffered a very serious injury, so she will have an MRI tonight,” Stosur said.
‘Obviously the tie is still ongoing and we have made a decision. Dasha will play in her place tomorrow, but of course we all support Storm and wish her all the best and the fastest possible recovery.’
Tennis Australia also released a statement wishing the Australian star a speedy recovery.
“We all stand behind Storm and wish her all the best and the fastest possible recovery,” the message said.
Saville was initially overlooked for the singles in the Billie Jean Cup but has now been called up to replace the injured Hunter
Hunter’s injury is a cruel blow to Australia and new captain Sam Stosur, who is making her Billie Jean King Cup debut
Stosur had overlooked Saville for singles action, at least until Saturday’s reverse singles rubbers, despite the 30-year-old having the highest ranking in the squad.
Hunter, who finished 2023 as the world’s number 1 doubles player, will also have to be replaced in doubles in Brisbane.
Arina Rodionova, ranked 103rd in the world, was chosen for the first time since 2016 and was nominated as Australia’s No. 1 in Thursday’s draw, with Hunter (No. 116) as the host’s No. 2.
After becoming the oldest woman to reach the top 100 for the first time earlier this year, 34-year-old Rodionova will face Mexico’s Giuliana Olmos in the first match at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena on Friday.
Saville will face Marcela Zacarias after Rodionova’s opening match against Giuliana Olmos on Friday.