Queenslanders Ash Barty and Priscilla Hon have booked Australia's place in the Fed Cup World Group semi-final.
The duo combined in a live fifth doubles rubber against Nicole Melichar and Danielle Collins of the USA to take a 6-4 7-5 win in North Carolina.
It is the first time since 2014 Australia has made the semifinals.
🇦🇺 Australia have done it!
— Fed Cup (@FedCup) February 11, 2019
The Aussies beat USA 64 75 in the fifth rubber to move on to the World Group semifinals where they'll host Belarus#FedCup #USAAUS pic.twitter.com/JWqIMRMGo3
After the reserve singles kept the tie level with Barty brushing Madison Keys aside and Danielle Colling defeated Daria Gavrilova, it came down to the doubles rubber.
Australian captain Alicia Molik paired Barty and debutant Hon together.
There were some tense moments, particularly in the opening set when after breaking the USA, Australia was broken back and it was back on service. However, after some closely fought games, Barty and Hon were able to take a double break.
Speaking after the match, Hon said that it was up there with her top career accomplishments.
“It’s definitely up there (in terms of career accomplishments). I mean, this is my dream come true – I’ve always wanted to play for Australia,” she said.
“And beside Ash, I’ve always looked up to her my whole life so she’s helping me out. We definitely got the W because of her (laughter).”
Barty, who won both her singles matches, was proud of what the whole team achieved particularly 20-year-old Hon.
“I’m so proud of Pri and my team and Mol (Alicia Molik) for believing in us. We’ve had a hell of a weekend and there’s absolutely nothing better than coming out and playing a live tie for you country," she said.
Australia will now face Belarus, who upset the reigning Champions Slovakia, on home soil in April.
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