Tennis Australia Media Release, March 12, 2026
Australia’s newest tennis star Talia Gibson will lead a formidable home team when the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge returns to Melbourne Park on April 10–11, with Australia taking on archrivals Great Britain in a high‑stakes qualifying clash.
The 21-year-old Gibson leads the inclusions in the five-player Australian squad after making headlines around the world this week with victories over three top-20 players in five days at Indian Wells – including world No.7 Jasmine Paolini. Gibson’s fearless rise to No.67 in the world in the live rankings has made her one of the most exciting young players in global tennis.
Gibson joins previously announced Australian No.1 female and world No.31 Maya Joint (19), and former world No.1 doubles player Storm Hunter. Rounding out the squad are world No.77 Kimberly Birrell and world No.22 doubles specialist Ellen Perez, forming a powerful Culture Amp Australian Billie Jean King Cup team.
The winner of the tie will advance to the eight‑nation Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China this September.
Eight-time Grand Slam champion and Australian team captain Samantha Stosur said she was excited by the depth of female tennis in Australia and blend of emerging talent and experience selected in the team.
“This was probably the hardest team to pick given the how well everyone’s playing at the moment,” Stosur said.
“Gibson is really on the rise and is a really aggressive player. She doesn’t hold back on too many shots. I’m really excited to have her back on the team and keep seeing her progression.
“Birrell is such a great player and has had a fantastic past 18 months. Her level has improved so much and she is such a positive person to have around the girls. Perez has so much experience and played so many huge tournaments. She loves going out and supporting the other Aussies and will do anything for a teammate.”
With no AFL matches in Melbourne during the time of the BJK Cup clash, families and people of all ages will be provided with an opportunity to experience an affordable and exciting weekend of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park.
The two nations will compete in a best-of-five-rubber format, consisting of four singles matches and one doubles match. Each match is played as best of three sets.
Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek with adult tickets from $23 and two-day adult ticket packages from $34.70. Kids 12&U go free across both days. For more information or to book, click here.
The Great Britain team will be announced on Friday.
