Ajla Tomljanovic cherishing representing Australia in Fed Cup
Ahead of her Fed Cup debut, Australian Ajla Tomljanovic is upbeat about playing for Australia, after being given permission to play for them. Tomljanovic joins Ash Barty, Sam Stosur, Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon in an Australian squad looking to win its first Fed Cup title in 45 years in its first home final since 1978.
“I think I was just maybe a little bit nervous coming in, just because I’ve never been a part of this team yet. Even though I know everyone individually, I think it’s still different than being part of a team,” Tomljanovic said.
“Now that I think about it, it was pretty dumb that I even felt like that before (smiling). Leading up to it, all the players I really have good relationships with them and we always kind of talked about it (me joining the team) and they were always welcoming me before the decision arrived.”
“Yesterday and today has actually been really fun, and so different than what we do all year. I guess in a way it exceeded my expectations — I don’t know why. But yeah, I’m really happy.”
After what has been a good season for her, she is looking to cap it off with a Fed Cup win. “I’m definitely aware of the occasion. It’s pretty incredible. It’s one of those things that you’re nervous about, but it’s the good kind of nervous. Once I started the whole process (of representing Australia in Fed Cup) a long time ago, in my head I was like, ‘Oh I’m going to be playing in no time.’ And then it kind of took a little bit longer than I thought, I guess.”
“This year I told myself, ‘I’m not going to think about it’, just because I don’t want to get my hopes up and then get crushed. So when I got the call from Alicia Molik, I was definitely shocked and it came at such a good time because I think I just had lost in China.”
“She was like, ‘Would you be open to playing?’ And it was kind of funny to answer that because I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time. So I’m just really excited that I finally have the opportunity. I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of something so major in my career.”
She ended by saying, ““It was a pretty solid year and it’s pretty nice to top it off with a Fed Cup final and possibly getting the title. I’m just really happy to get the chance to end my year on a high with the team. I’m always going to remember it and it’s going be something I always cherish, so I’m really excited.”
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2PTdizN
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