Alicia Barnett’s “incredible” 2022 has continued after the Team Bath Tennis ace was today added to the Great Britain team for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, taking place at Glasgow Emirates Arena from 8-13 November.
It will be a first appearance in the world’s largest annual women’s international team sports competition – formerly known as the Fed Cup – for Barnett, who has risen to become the British number one women’s doubles player after a fantastic season.
Barnett, coached by Ian MacDonald at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, began the year at 184 in the WTA world rankings but has progressed to a career-high of 60 after a number of breakthrough performances with women’s doubles partner Olivia Nicholls, who has also been called into the GB team.
They have reached a number of international finals and won their first WTA 250 title in August at the Granby National Bank Championships in Canada. They also made their first Grand Slam appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open, with Barnett reaching the mixed doubles quarter-finals at SW19 with Jonny O’Mara.
“It’s an honour to represent my country and I’m so excited my first Billie Jean King Cup is going to be in Britain,” said Barnett. “I had big dreams as a little kid and now I’m out here living those dreams, so this is a really special moment.
“I’m really looking forward to competing in a team event, especially on home ground with a home crowd. Let’s see if I can lose my voice from cheering my team-mates on!
“This year has been incredible with so many highs. Competing in two Grand Slams and being picked to represent GB has made it a year I will never forget. I’m so grateful for my doubles partner, Liv and our team. A special thanks to my coach Macca and the rest of Team Bath for their continuing support. Together we have worked hard to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.”
Great Britain will face Kazakhstan and Spain in Group Stage C of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals, on Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 November respectively, with the four group winners qualifying for the semi-finals.
Team Bath Tennis is running a Free Fun Day at the Sports Training Village on Saturday 12 November (12-1.30pm), offering children aged 5-12 the chance to pick up a racket and experience tennis on the same courts used by professionals like Alicia Barnett. Visit teambath.com for further details.