- Top-ranked Australian player Daria Saville had been overlooked
- Now he has a chance in singles after Hunter’s injury in the warm-up match
- Late reshuffle has tested new captain Sam Stosur on debut
Newly appointed Australian women’s tennis captain Sam Stosur has had an eventful debut as one of her star players suffered a serious injury in the final training session before the Billie Jean King Cup.
Daria Saville was called up to replace Storm Hunter in Friday’s opening singles matches of the clash against Mexico in Brisbane after the left-hander suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon as the Australian team completed its preparation.
Hunter, who was Australia’s No. 2 player, was injured towards the end of a practice session against Arina Rodionova on Thursday night at Pat Rafter Arena.
He underwent scans on Thursday night and confirmed the bad news on Friday in a social media post.
“I’m devastated and heartbroken, but incredibly grateful to be with the team and know I have a great group of people around me who will help me get back on the court as soon as possible,” she said.
“Thank you all so much for the messages of support and love. I’m excited to stay in the playoffs and support our Australian girls.”
Hunter was relishing the prospect of a starring role in the competition’s first qualifier in Australia since 2019, following his inspiring run from qualifying to reach the third round at the season-opening Grand Slam 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 emerged as a key piece of the puzzle for new captain Sam Stosur on Friday and Saturday.
Storm Hunter receives medical treatment on the court after suffering a serious injury in the run-up to the Billie Jean King Cup
Hunter receives assistance from the court as captain Sam Stosur and teammate Daria Saville look on.
Arina Rodionova was visibly emotional after seeing her friend and teammate go down injured during their practice match.
It is a shocking blow for the Queensland native, who was the face of the event in her home state. Pending tests, the injury could have long-term impacts on his bid to break into the world’s top 100.
“Storm went out to get a ball and unfortunately suffered a very serious injury, so he will have an MRI tonight,” Stosur said.
‘Obviously the tie continues and we have made a decision. Dasha will go in her place to play tomorrow, but obviously we are all rooting for Storm and wishing her the best and the quickest recovery possible.’
Tennis Australia also issued a statement wishing the Australian star a speedy recovery.
“We all support Storm and wish him the best and the quickest recovery possible,” it said.
Saville had initially been overlooked for the Billie Jean Cup singles but has now been recruited to replace the injured Hunter.
Hunter’s injury is a blow for Australia and new captain Sam Stosur making her Billie Jean King Cup debut
Stosur had overlooked Saville in singles action, at least until Saturday’s reverse singles matches, despite the 30-year-old holding the team’s highest ranking.
Hunter, who finished 2023 as the world’s No. 1 doubles player, will also have to be replaced in doubles in Brisbane.
Picked for the first time since 2016, Arina Rodionova, ranked 103rd in the world, was nominated as Australia’s No. 1 in Thursday’s draw, with Hunter (No. 116) the hosts’ No. 2 player.
Having earlier this year become the oldest woman to reach the top 100 for the first time, Rodionova, 34, will face Mexico’s Giuliana Olmos in the opener at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena on Friday.
Saville will face Marcela Zacarias after Rodionova’s opening clash against Giuliana Olmos on Friday.