New Zealand women’s tennis team named for Billie Jean King Cup in Malaysia
Tennis NZ have confirmed their five-strong lineup to contest the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) Asia/Oceania Group 2 competition in Malaysia from 24-29 July. The team features a mix of youth and experience, spearheaded by experienced WTA tour professional Erin Routliffe (28). There are two debutants, in Australia-based Kiwi Monique Barry (21) and NCAA collegiate player Jade Otway (19), with 22 year old Valentina Ivanov, competing in her fourth event, and 18 year old Vivian Yang who debuted last year, rounding out the side. Long-time New Zealand representative Paige Hourigan was not available for selection due to injury.
New Zealand were the victors last time they competed in Group 2, gaining promotion with a final victory over The Philippines in 2020, when the event was played in Wellington. The competition was cancelled in 2021 and in 2022 New Zealand finished 5th out of 6 teams in their Group 1 tie which resulted in relegation back to Group 2.
Two sides out of the 12-team event will be promoted, with Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the hosts Malaysia shaping as the toughest to overcome. Teams will be split into pools of six, with the winner of each pool gaining promotion. Ties will consist of two singles and one doubles match daily between nations.
The NZ team will be led by Captain Matt Hair.
For more information visit: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com
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