The Aussie women’s team may not be first but they ain’t the last either when they were simply too good for Colombia this afternoon at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena.
They’re happy to take away with the 3-0 series clean sweep where we began the day of 18-year-old adopted Aussie from the USA Maya Joint, whose team debut was a bitter pill to swallow the other day v her Kazakh opponent, and she had no issues this time at all against Yuliana Monroy in straight sets by 6-1, 6-0.
Then there’s a bit of rain going on for a few minutes ahead of the next singles match and yes, this next one was a bit more difficult on the competitive speed dial, particularly in the 2nd set when the other Yuliana in Lizarazo began to make up some lost time and then took some medical time out. But again, Kim Birrell delivered what she wanted for the Aussies and there goes the joy following another straight sets Aussie team win – 6-1, 6-3.
And last but not least, how good was Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez together?
They just crushed the Colombian doubles pair fair and square to sign off with a fantastic finish to the qualifying round – again another too good one of 6-0, 6-1.
What’s even better is that Hunter and Perez will be playing together more often when it comes to the upcoming clay court matches including the next grand slam at Roland Garros late next month which is good news indeed. Not only that, glad Birrell made her home front proud when she received some unwavering support from her team-mates and family.
Plus, Maya should be proud of herself in the way she responded today with a class of her own. I’m sure she will kick on from there to make up more amazing moments when it comes to future grand slams at senior level that can help boost her profile with experience in the years to come.
Ahh…wished they did better where at least one singles win v the Kazakh would probably still put us in a fighting spot but then Kazakhstan were also too good yesterday v the Colombians as well.
So no can do unfortunately as the Kazakhs will now go to Shenzhen mid-September to have a crack at the prestigious BJK Cup crown while the Aussies will at least have to keep their starting qualifying spot for 2026 with the 2nd-tier Playoffs sometime this November.
For now, I’m glad our doubles stronghold will continue to be at its absolute best.
However, we just need a singles leader figure that can help the Aussies go all the way with titles next time, and they need to find that ideal Ash Barty replacement ASAP for at least the next few years.
