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Australian Storm Hunter admits her dream of at some point changing into a world No.1 “form of appeared unattainable”.
Seville, Spain, 8 November 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Storm Hunter’s first match because the world’s top-ranked doubles participant actually proved memorable.
The 29-year-old rushed straight from the Seville airport to line-up for the Australian workforce on the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Hunter’s checked baggage was lacking after arriving from Mexico, however fortunately she had travelled along with her racquets and uniform as carry-on.
“That made it a bit difficult, however I had some racquets on me and was ready to play,” Hunter mentioned. “I had my outfit, my footwear, and mentally was able to go if our workforce wanted that.”
After 18 hours of travelling, an impressed Hunter managed to carve out a hard-fought victory alongside Kimberly Birrell.
“It was clearly a fast turnaround, however for me, representing my nation is the best honour and truthfully probably the most wonderful factor I can ever do with my tennis profession,” Hunter mentioned.
A semifinal look in her debut on the WTA Finals in Cancun final week propelled the left-handed Australian to the highest of the WTA Tour doubles rankings.
Hunter turns into solely the third Aussie lady – and first in 17 years – to carry the No.1 rating in doubles.
“To be trustworthy, it nonetheless hasn’t actually sunken in. It’s loopy,” mentioned the Melbourne-based athlete of her achievement.
“I truthfully didn’t assume this may ever occur to me in my life. It was form of a dream that simply at all times was there, however form of appeared unattainable.
“It’s positively been a whirlwind few days. It’s very thrilling, however I’m right here to give attention to our workforce. It’s not about me this week. It’s about getting Crew Australia to do as finest as we will.
“I’ll have the ability to have fun (rising to world No.1) as soon as we end right here. However for now, it’s simply doing my half for our workforce.”
Regardless of Hunter’s finest efforts, the Australian workforce misplaced their opening round-robin tie towards Slovenia.
They now face Kazakhstan in a must-win tie on Thursday to maintain their hopes alive.
Discover your strategy to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!
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