News.
Hear directly from The Women’s Tennis Foundation.
Storm Hunter is Back—and Already Making Waves on the Court
After nearly a year out with a torn Achilles, Storm Hunter has made a thunderous return to the tennis world—and fans are loving every second of it.
Her comeback began in February at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas. Teaming up with American Caroline Dolehide in doubles, Hunter shook off the rust and jumped straight back into elite competition. Although their first-round match didn’t go their way, there was no mistaking it: Storm was back—and ready to fight.
Then came Indian Wells. Still searching for rhythm, Hunter faced another tough draw, but the signs of momentum were building. The footwork was sharper, the instincts returning, and the trademark grit never left. She was edging closer to that breakthrough moment—and it came in Miami.
At the Miami Open, Hunter and Dolehide found their spark, storming through to the women’s doubles quarterfinals. It was her first win back on tour since the injury, and it sent a clear message: don’t count Storm out. The comeback wasn't just happening—it was gaining real traction.
And just when the tennis world started to take notice, Hunter was selected to represent Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Brisbane. That green and gold jersey means everything to her and stepping onto home soil for national duty after such a brutal setback. That’s a comeback moment made for the highlight reel.
Watch this space—the Storm is just getting started..
Maya Joint Makes Her Mark in Green and Gold
At just 18 years old, Maya Joint has already lived out a dream many tennis players only imagine—representing Australia on home soil in the Billie Jean King Cup. And she didn’t just show up—she showed out.
Selected as part of the national team for the qualifier tie against Colombia in Brisbane, Joint was handed the chance to debut in one of tennis’s biggest international team events. It was a bold call, placing the rising teen talent into the high-stakes environment of national competition. But from the moment she stepped on court, it was clear: she belonged.
After a tough opening match against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva earlier in the week, Joint came roaring back in style. Taking on Colombia’s Yuliana Monroy, she delivered a clinical performance—blazing to a 6–1, 6–0 victory and clinching her first-ever win in Billie Jean King Cup competition.
The win wasn’t just a personal milestone—it helped seal Australia’s dominant performance in the tie and gave fans a thrilling preview of the next generation coming through the ranks.
Wearing the green and gold, with the crowd behind her and the national flag on her sleeve, Maya Joint played with the kind of composure, power, and poise that you’d expect from a seasoned pro. But she’s just getting started.
From junior standout to national representative, her journey is only beginning—and if her Billie Jean King Cup debut is anything to go by, Australia has unearthed a serious talent.
Keep an eye on Maya. The future is bright—and it’s already here.
Kim Birrell Leads Australia to Victory in Billie Jean King Cup Debut Win
Kimberly Birrell's recent performance in the Billie Jean King Cup has been a significant milestone in her tennis career. Selected to lead the Culture Amp Australian Billie Jean King Cup team during the 2025 qualifiers in Brisbane, Birrell embraced the opportunity to represent her country on home soil .
In the tie against Colombia at Pat Rafter Arena, Birrell delivered a commanding performance, defeating Yuliana Lizarazo 6–1, 6–3. This victory not only contributed to Australia's 3–0 sweep over Colombia but also marked Birrell's first singles win in Billie Jean King Cup competition.
Reflecting on her journey, Birrell has expressed a strong desire to continue her upward trajectory in the sport. After breaking into the top 100 earlier in the year, she stated, "I don’t want to limit myself to 60, or even a number – I want to keep pushing and keep on this trajectory that I’m on".
Birrell's leadership and performance in the Billie Jean King Cup exemplify her dedication and potential, signaling a promising future for Australian tennis.
Emmerson Jones Shines as Australia’s Orange Girl
While she wasn’t swinging a racquet this time, Emmerson Jones still had a front-row seat to the action—and a very special role—at the recent Billie Jean King Cup tie in Brisbane. The rising Aussie star was selected as Australia’s Orange Girl, a tradition that allows a promising junior to join the national team for the week and soak up the experience of representing their country.
From team warm-ups to behind-the-scenes moments with the pros, Emmerson was fully immersed in the elite environment, proudly wearing the green and gold alongside her tennis heroes. Her energy, enthusiasm, and love for the game were on full display as she supported the squad courtside—soaking up every bit of inspiration.
With talent, drive, and now a taste of national team life, don’t be surprised if Emmerson’s back on that court soon—next time with a racquet in hand.
Storm’s US Open Triumph
After 21 long years, alongside mixed doubles partner, John Peers, Women’s Tennis Foundation scholarship holder, Storm Sanders has broken the Australian drought, being crowned US Open Champion in the mixed doubles. The last time this event was won by an Australian pair, was when Todd Woodbridge & Rennae Stubbs defeated Lisa Raymond and Leander Paes in 2001.
30th Annual General Meeting
On Wednesday November 10th , the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Women's Tennis Foundation Inc was held. The meeting reported on the highlights of another year disrupted by the pandemic.
“The journey of a tennis player can be a roller-coaster”
Even as a junior player you experience highs and lows, and I am sure junior players reading this can relate. Being through some of these experiences, I wanted to share a few key messages that I believe are really important