Australia to Host Billie Jean King Cup Tie in Tasmania with Daria Kasatkina Eyeing Debut

In November, Australia will hold a Billie Jean King Cup tie in Tasmania, with high hopes that Daria Kasatkina will receive the necessary permissions to make her debut for the Australian team in this prestigious women's tennis tournament. The draw for the play-offs took place in London, revealing that Sam Stosur's Australian team is set to face Brazil and Portugal in a round-robin format in Hobart from November 14 to 16.

Daria Kasatkina, who became the Australian number one after securing permanent residency in March, has previously represented Russia in the Billie Jean King Cup. The 28-year-old expressed optimism about making her first appearance for Australia, although she acknowledged uncertainties regarding when she will receive clearance to participate. She explained that the situation involves complex procedures coordinated by Tennis Australia and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), stating, "It's something which Tennis Australia has to deal with the ITF."

Should Kasatkina be cleared and selected for the team, Australia would be the favorite to advance from the three-team round-robin group at Hobart's Domain Tennis Centre, given their depth compared to Brazil and Portugal. Even without Kasatkina, Stosur can rely on notable players like rising star Maya Joint, Ajla Tomljanović, and Kim Birrell, all ranked in the top 100, along with doubles expert Ellen Perez.

Brazil’s challenge will come primarily from Beatriz Haddad Maia, ranked 21st, with limited support from Laura Pigossi and Carolina Alves, who are ranked 219th and 240th, respectively. On the other hand, the Portuguese team appears to be the underdogs, depending on the performance of sisters Matilde and Francisca Jorge, who are ranked 251st and 259th. Stosur’s squad aims to reclaim their elite status in the competition following their inability to reach this season's final scheduled in Shenzhen, China, in September.