Storming Storm Hunter has locked up a spot in Australia's Billie Jean King Cup team as new captain Samantha Stosur mulls over the full line-up for the qualifier against Mexico.
Australia host Mexico at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena on April 12-13, with Stosur facing quite the selection dilemma.
Confirming Hunter as a certain starter was somewhat of a no-brainer following her rise to the women's world No.1 doubles ranking and foray to the Australian Open singles third round, Stosur's other picks are otherwise uncertain.
Arina Rodionova is the nation's top-ranked female, after last month becoming the oldest player to crack the world top 100.
But the 34-year-old is feuding with Tennis Australia after being overlooked for an Open wildcard and claiming the governing body has had a long-running vendetta against her.
Long-time Cup stalwarts Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic, and fellow 2023 finals team member Kim Birrell, are all well outside the top 100 as they continue their comebacks from serious injury.
Young guns Olivia Gadecki and Taylah Preston are other options for Stosur, who on Monday announced Hunter as her first selection.
"Storm has shown she has great form, last year becoming the world No.1 doubles player and this year qualifying for the Australian Open in singles and making it through to the third round," the skipper said.
"She recently won a WTA 1000 doubles title in Dubai as well.
"Storm has showed in recent years that she is certainly up to the task and more of representing her country and this team."
The late-blooming 29-year-old from Rockhampton is relishing the chance to perform in front of Queensland fans in Australia's first home tie since losing the 2019 final to France in Perth.
"Representing Australia at home in Brisbane means absolutely everything," Hunter said.
"I can't wait to step out on the court in Brisbane in front of our home crowd and give it everything we've got to qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals."
