While newly-crowned WTA Finals champion Ashleigh Barty has one singles spot sewn up, Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik says choosing Australia’s other singles player in this weekend’s decider will be a tough call.
Ajla Tomljanovic and veteran Samantha Stosur are jostling for the No.2 berth for the final against France in Perth, as Australia look to claim their first Fed Cup trophy in 45 years.
It’s a massive opportunity for Croatian-born Tomljanovic, who was only cleared to represent Australia three weeks ago.
Tomljanovic said she didn’t hesitate to say yes when Molik called her about joining the team for the first time.
“When Alicia called me she asked if I would be open to playing and it was funny to answer that because I’ve been looking to this moment for a long time,” the 26-year-old said.
“I’m just really excited that I finally have the opportunity.
Tomljanovic said she’d been inspired by the success of world No.1 Barty.
“We all look up to her and what she’s done for tennis in Australia, as it’s pretty unbelievable and we all try to draw from her.”
Molik said she’d been impressed by Tomljanovic’s growth this year, with her ranking up to world No.51 to be the second-ranked Australian behind Barty.
“It will be great to have Ajla on the team for the first time,” Molik said.
“She’s one of the most dangerous players on tour and has a game that more than matches it with the best in the world.
“The versatility that she brings to the team is brilliant in this situation so it’s going to be a really tough decision on Thursday as to who is playing for us.
“We are all rapt that Ajla is in the team and really excited about our prospects for the weekend.”
Molik said while Stosur’s most recent success had come in doubles, the former US Open champion whose ranking had slipped to 96 also had some strong singles results to push her case.
“On the back of Asia just three or four weeks ago, Sam had some really great singles wins so I’m pleased from my perspective as captain as I have a lot of options and that’s the ideal situation to be in.”
Australia hold an impressive 5-1 record over France, but the countries have not played each other since 2000.
