Jones gets dream Aussie call up for BJK Cup clash
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Emerson Jones, Australia’s former junior world No.1, could become one of the youngest females in tennis history to make her international debut after being called up for the Billie Jean King Cup clash with Great Britain.
Jones, 17, replaces Maya Joint, who is recovering from a back injury, in the Australia squad for the tie in Melbourne on April 10-11.
The Gold Coast local, who has risen to a career-high No.136 in the WTA singles rankings, became the first Australian in 25 years to claim the No.1 ranking on the junior ITF World Tennis Tour in 2024, the first since Jelena Dokic in 1998.
She has been named alongside world No.56 Talia Gibson (WA), Kimberley Birrell (Queensland), Storm Hunter (Victoria) and Ellen Perez (NSW) in a power-packed Aussie squad.
Jones said: “To get my number – most girls dream of that. It’s going to be a great experience and really fun. They’re all really great girls in the team and I look up to them a lot. I’m excited to train with them and just be in the team with them.”
Eight-time Grand Slam champion and Australian team captain Samantha Stosur said: “Emerson has been able to test herself against some of the best players in the world at the Australian Open and other big tournaments already this year.
“This opportunity will certainly make her an even better player and is another step in her very young career.”
“I have no doubt this will be the first of many times that she represents Australia. She’s going to love it.”
Jones began her tennis journey at just four years of age, progressing through the Tennis Australia grassroots and development pathways.
After a stint at the National Tennis Academy in 2023, she reached the junior girls’ Australian Open and Wimbledon finals in 2024.
She also won the Junior Athlete of the Year Award at the 2023 and 2024 Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards.
AAP