Britain moved to the brink of victory in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Australia after 17-year-old Mika Stojsavljevic stunned in-form Talia Gibson in Melbourne. The US Open junior champion won 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 to put the visitors 1-0 ahead, before Harriet Dart defeated Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to leave Australia needing to win the doubles to stay alive.
Stojsavljevic, ranked 275th, delivered a composed performance against world No. 56 Gibson, who arrived at John Cain Arena in sparkling form having beaten five top-20 opponents. The teenager fired 12 aces and saved five break points in a crucial late service game before breaking Gibson to seal the match. “Credit to Mika, she came out playing really well, served amazing,” said a disappointed Gibson.
Dart then battled back from a set down to overcome Birrell, the world No. 80, in a gritty contest lasting nearly two hours. The 173rd-ranked Briton broke decisively in the third set to lead 4-3 and held firm to give Britain a commanding 2-0 lead. The reverse singles and doubles are scheduled for Saturday, with Dart and Jodie Burrage set to partner in the live doubles if required.
Victory would see Britain advance to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China in September, a remarkable turnaround given they were missing their four best players. The resurgence under captain Anne Keothavong continues to gather pace, with the teenage Stojsavljevic emerging as a new star for British tennis.
