Tennis Australia Media Release, March 31, 2026
Former world No.1 junior Emerson Jones could become one of the youngest females in tennis history to debut for Australia in a Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge tie after being called up for the upcoming blockbuster clash against Great Britain in Melbourne on April 10–11.
The 17-year-old replaces Maya Joint in the squad, who is currently rehabilitating a back injury.
Jones, a Gold Coast local, became the first Australian in 25 years to secure the No.1 ranking on the junior ITF World Tennis Tour in 2024 – the first since Jelena Dokic in 1998.
She now joins a star-studded Culture Amp Australian Billie Jean King Cup team, headlined by the in-form 21-year-old and world No.56 Talia Gibson (WA), Kimberley Birrell (Qld), Storm Hunter (Vic) and Ellen Perez (NSW).
Jones said being selected in the BJK Cup team for the first time is extremely special.
“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 she is thrilled to have Jones in the team for the first time.
“Emerson has been able to test herself against some of the best players in the world at the Australian Openand 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. Following a stint at the National Tennis Academy in 2023, she reached the junior girls’ Australian Open and Wimbledon finals in 2024. She was also awarded the Junior Athlete of the Year Award at the 2023 and 2024 Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards.
This week, she secured a career-high No.136 WTA singles ranking and is knocking on the door of the world’s top 100.
Australia and Great Britain will compete in a best-of-five-rubber format, consisting of four singles matches and one doubles match. Each match is played as the best of three sets. The winner of the tie will advance to the eight-nation Finals, scheduled for September in China.
Melbourne will host a BJK Cup tie for the first time in 15 years. With no AFL matches in Melbourne during the clash, families and people of all ages will have the opportunity to experience an affordable and exciting weekend of world-class tennis at John Cain Arena.
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.
