24 April 2017 | Tennis Victoria

Australia has put in a dominant display to claim victory in their Fed Cup tie over Serbia in Zrenjanin.

The visitors jumped out of the blocks early claiming both singles rubbers before Daria Gavrilova sealed the tie. The supreme doubles combination of Ash Barty and Casey Dellacqua inflicted more pain on Serbia with a straight sets win, which saw Australia claim a 4-0 whitewash.

Gavrilova was the star of the tie with victory in both her singles matches. She came into the clash with Serbia without having won a Fed Cup match in her previous two ties.

Australian Fed Cup captain, Alicia Molik was thrilled with the Victorian’s efforts as she put in a scintillating performance.

“A really pleasing display today she was pretty commanding, very aggressive and I think she will set herself up nicely now for the European season,” Molik told 1116SEN’s, The First Serve.

“It was actually ‘Dasha’s’ first win in Fed Cup competition … the monkey is well and truly off her back.”

Molik, a decorated Fed Cup player herself, was quick to shower praise on squad debutant, Destanee Aiava.

The young Victorian, who captivated the nation in January by becoming the first player born in this century to participate in the main draw of a Grand Slam, didn’t take to the court but is integral to the captain’s long-term planning.

“Destanee’s a big part of our future, she’s a really exciting prospect,” Molik said.

“Certainly from my perspective I’ve been so impressed with Destanee this week. She reminds me so much of the time of Serena (Williams). The way she moves and her physicality on court.

“I think our future in women’s tennis in Australia is very bright.”

Aiava was joined in Serbia by ‘orange girl’ and fellow Victorian Jaimee Fourlis. The pair clearly enjoyed their time supporting their teammates but it was the attitude in and around the group that has Molik excited.

“It’s healthy to have a number of them coming through cause that’s what really ultimately I think drives each other and helps the level rise,” she said.

“We’re there to drive their rise as quick as possible and I think once they have a sense of belonging, once they get that confidence that they’re not too far away that’s when we see the biggest improvements.”

If the International Tennis Federation (ITF) signs off on expanding the World Group to 16 nations then Australia’s win over Serbia should secure their place in the top tier for next year.