Elena Rybakina delivered a gritty performance to seal Kazakhstan’s place in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell on Thursday in Brisbane.
The world number 10 and 2022 Wimbledon champion overcame a tough second set and early setback to hand her team an unassailable 2-0 lead in their Group D qualifier against the seven-time champions.
Rybakina was broken early but quickly found her rhythm, unleashing her trademark forehand to level the match at 3-3. She went on to dominate the remainder of the set, finishing it with a powerful ace. Birrell mounted a strong response in the second, surging to a 5-1 lead and earning a set point, but Rybakina fought back with relentless intensity and sharp shot-making to force a tiebreak and ultimately close out the match.
“It was such a difficult match,” Rybakina said after the win. “I’m super happy to bring the win for the team … it’s always nice to be back in Australia.” The victory marks her eighth singles win in ten appearances since debuting for Kazakhstan in 2021.
Earlier in the day, Yulia Putintseva gave Kazakhstan a flying start with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over Australia’s Maya Joint at the Pat Rafter Arena.
The new Billie Jean King Cup format has teams competing in six round-robin groups of three, with group winners joining hosts China and defending champions Italy at the Finals in Shenzhen later this year.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, the Czech Republic take on Brazil in Group B in Ostrava, Poland face Switzerland in Radom, and the Netherlands host Germany in The Hague for Group F action.
Notably, Poland are without world number two Iga Swiatek, who has opted to focus on her clay-court preparations ahead of the French Open. The United States, meanwhile, face their own roster shakeup after Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins were among a trio of players to withdraw ahead of their three-day qualifier.
The road to Shenzhen is heating up—and Kazakhstan have firmly stamped their ticket.
