World number one Ash Barty has been named to lead Australia against France in the Fed Cup final on November 9-10 in Perth.
Barty has had a standout 2019, having broken through for her maiden Grand Slam after winning the French Open in June.
Her impressive form has continued into the Fed Cup format, becoming the first player in history to win six straight World Group matches in the lead up to the final in its current format.
MORE: Barty locks down number one spot
The 23-year-old was awarded for her brilliant year with Sports Australia Hall of Fame’s The Don award, which recognises the athlete that most inspired the nation through their sporting achievements.
She is joined in the squad by fellow Grand Slam champion Sam Stosur, newly eligible Australian number two Ajla Tomljanovic along with young guns Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon.
Australia will be making their first appearance in the Fed Cup final in 26 years, having not won the prestigious tournament since 1974.
However, team captain Alicia Molik believes that the rise of Barty, along with home-court advantage can help them break the drought.
“The Fed Cup Final is a momentous occasion for not only the players and team, but the wider tennis community and Australian sporting fans,” Molik told tennis.com.au.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the best of our talent, we have a world No.1 in Ash, a green-and-gold debutante in Ajla, another Grand Slam champion in Sam and two of our rising stars, Astra and Pri.
“Hosting a Fed Cup Final in your home country is a rare and precious opportunity.
"I know our team will not only embrace the challenge, but feed off the support of the fans.
"It’s going to be a spectacular event and I can’t wait.”
