8 April 2015 | Tennis Queensland

It’s our very own rising star from the Gold Coast who will take on the traditional ‘Orange Girl’ role to work with the experienced Australian team in the lead up to the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-offs.

Sixteen-year-old Kimberley Birrell has enjoyed an outstanding few months on the Pro-Tour, reaching the final in Mildura last month. This latest acknowledgement is a testament to her growth from a young Queensland junior into an international up-and-comer.

Australia’s Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik named Birrell to join with the team that includes Samantha Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Jarmila Gajdosova, Olivia Rogowska and coach Nicole Pratt who will take on Netherlands in ‘s-Hertongenbosch on 18-19 April.

“I’m very happy Kim is joining us for the tie. She’s had a terrific few months on the Pro Tour and this is an invaluable opportunity for her to work with our top players, both on court as a hitting partner and to see first-hand how professional their preparation is in training and for matches,” said Molik at the announcement.

Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off

Australia v Netherlands

Date: 18-19 April 2015

Venue: Maaspoort Sports & Events, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Times: Day one: 1330 hrs (2130 AEST), Day two: 1330 hrs (2130 AEST)

Surface: Red Clay, Indoor