Net gain: Rodionova talks down Tennis Australia blast

On her return to the Billie Jean King Cup squad, Arina Rodionova has attempted to move on from her brutal criticism of Tennis Australia.

The 34-year-old was controversially overlooked for a wildcard spot at January's Australian Open despite being the country's top-ranked women’s player.

Rodionova claimed she was "not liked", saying TA would have been "pleased" she exited at the qualifying stage of her home grand slam.

But ahead of Australia's Billie Jean King Cup tie against Mexico in Brisbane this weekend, the Russian-born player tried to downplay her comments from three months ago.

Australia's Billie Jean King Cup captain Sam Stosur.
Australia's Billie Jean King Cup captain Sam Stosur (r) was "always in my corner", Rodionova says.

"It's two very different things," Rodionova said on Tuesday of representing Australia and her criticism of TA.

"At the end, I didn't qualify (for the Australian Open) like I probably should have and I didn't. So that's on me.

"If I want to give myself the opportunity to play on big courts, then I should win more often. So I'll try to do that."

Currently ranked world No.103, Rodionova pushed back when quizzed on new Australia captain Sam Stosur's involvement with TA.

"Sam was always in my corner; it was not really Sam's decision. I haven't really had any conversations with anyone about that.

"In the Australian Open, I'm playing for myself. Here I'm representing the country, so I don't see any correlation between those two events.

"Whatever happened in January, it's happened in January.

"I'm really happy to be part of the team again after a few years."

Taylah Preston.
Teenager Taylah Preston is included in Australia's squad for the clash with Mexico.

Australia haven't played a home Billie Jean King Cup tie since 2019, when the competition was still known as the Federation Cup.

That year, Stosur - who in December 2023 was appointed to succeed Alicia Molik as Australia's Billie Jean King Cup captain - joined Ash Barty to lead the nation to their first final in 26 years.

Doubles ace Ellen Perez and teenage talent Taylah Preston have also been included for the April 12-13 tie at Pat Rafter Arena.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store