Storm Hunter has stood tall as a last-minute replacement for an unwell Maya Joint to defeat Norway’s Malene Helgo in a perfect start to Australia’s United Cup campaign.
Doubles specialist Hunter won 6-2 7-6 (7-3) in the host nation’s opening tie at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena in Australia’s top-ranked female player Joint’s absence.
World No.32 Joint failed to recover in time from an illness for Saturday’s clash, having missed scheduled media and practice sessions the day before.
But Australia will hope the 19-year-old rising star will be fit to face two-time grand slam winner Barbora Krejcikova in Tuesday’s tie against Czechia.
World No.7 Alex de Minaur can snare victory for Australia if he defeats Casper Ruud, ranked No.12, in the men’s singles later on Saturday.
Hunter wrapped up the opening set in 35 minutes, before Norway’s world No.533 wrestled momentum following a marathon game at 5-5 which produced 11 deuces.
The 31-year-old won the match tiebreak on her serve after an hour and seven minutes.
“This is pretty emotional for me,” Hunter said while holding back tears.
“It’s been a pretty tough two years, rupturing my Achilles and fighting my way back through surgery and relearning everything.
“I never thought I’d be back on this court in a singles moment playing for Australia.”
The 2023 year-end doubles world No.1, Hunter had suffered an Achilles tendon injury during Billie Jean King Cup training in April 2024.
The popular veteran has clawed her way back to be ranked world doubles No.33 since making her comeback in February last year, but has slipped from a career-high singles ranking of No.114 to No.426.
Maya Joint will look to overcome illness after being seeded for the Australian Open. (Chris Kidd/AAP PHOTOS)
Hunter will link up with John-Patrick Smith for the mixed doubles matches against Ulrikke Eikeri and Ruud following the men’s singles on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Joint endures a frustrating start to the season after setting her sights on reaching the third round of the Australian Open following last year’s breakout campaign.
Joint is set to be seeded for the first time at Melbourne Park, having risen to world No.32 off the back of titles at Eastbourne and Morocco.
The Brisbane-based teenager exited last year’s Australian Open in the first round as a wildcard.