Storm Hunter has led the Culture Amp Australia Billie Jean King Cup to victory on numerous occasions after winning both of her singles and doubles rubbers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On Saturday night, she achieved the feat with Australia\u2019s United Cup team for the first time, leading Australia to a 2-1 victory over Norway in Group D at Ken Rosewall Arena.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Having only competed in doubles during her previous United Cup campaign in 2024, the 31-year-old was summoned to singles action after Maya Joint withdrew from her match due to illness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Trailing 4-1 in the second set against Norwegian No.1 Malene Helgo, Hunter relied on her previous singles experience in the green and gold \u2013 she holds a 6-2 record at BJK Cup level \u2013 to force a tiebreak and ultimately triumph 6-2 7-6(3) in one hour and 40 minutes. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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It was an unexpected call-up for Hunter, who thought her time representing Australia on the singles court had ended after her Achilles rupture in April 2024. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is pretty emotional for me. It\u2019s been a pretty tough two years, rupturing my Achilles and fighting my way back through surgery and relearning everything. I never thought I\u2019d be back on this court (Ken Rosewall Arena) in a singles match playing for Australia,\u201d said the world No.428, who last played singles for Australia in November 2023. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe came out swinging a bit more in the second set, going after her shot a little bit more. I lost a bit of pace, shot depth, and quality, so she was able to dictate the points a bit more, but I just tried to get back on my terms. I got better with my feet, had more intensity and just used the crowd to get behind me.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n