Great Britain Upsets Australia To Reach Billie Jean King Cup Finals

Great Britain secured a stunning 3-1 victory over Australia despite missing their top four singles players.

“In short: Great Britain has taken a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five Billie Jean King Cup tie against Australia”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

17-year-old debutant Mika Stojsavljevic opened the tie with a shock win over Talia Gibson.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Harriet Dart fought back from a set down to beat Kimberly Birrell.

Dart and Jodie Burrage completed the victory with a doubles win.

Captain Anne Keothavong said, 'We're all just overjoyed.'

Stojsavljevic's debut was the highlight of the tie.

She defeated Gibson who had recently beaten five top-20 players.

BBC

Gibson acknowledged her nerves and credited Stojsavljevic's play.

Dart's win over Birrell was equally impressive.

The British team had been underdogs.

The doubles match was pivotal.

“Britain started the day with a commanding 2-0 lead after rising star Mika Stojsavljevic upset Talia Gibson and Dart beat Kimberly Birrell on day one”

Flashscore

Dart and Burrage overcame an early break and reeled off five straight games.

The second set saw four consecutive breaks.

Great Britain made the decisive break in the ninth game.

Burrage held her nerve to secure the win.

Captain Anne Keothavong expressed confidence about Britain's prospects.

She said, 'I know we've got players and a strength in depth in the UK.'

LTA

The British team will join seven other nations and hosts China.

The victory was achieved despite the absence of Britain's top four singles players.

The emergence of new talent like Stojsavljevic was key.