Snubbed Aussie tennis star given second chance as Storm Hunter is cut down with cruel injury ahead of Billie Jean Cup in Brisbane

Newly minted Australian women's tennis captain Sam Stosur has endured an eventful debut as one of her star players was cut down with a serious injury in the final training session ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup. 

Daria Saville was called in to replace Storm Hunter in Friday's opening singles matches of the clash with Mexico in Brisbane after the left-hander suffered a 'very serious' ankle injury as the Australian team rounded out its preparation.

Hunter, who was Australia's No.2 player, picked up the injury towards the end of a practice session against Arina Rodionova on Thursday night at Pat Rafter Arena.

Hunter was lapping up the prospect of a starring role in the competition's first tie in Australia since 2019, on the back of her inspiring run from qualifying to make the third round at the season's opening grand slam at Melbourne Park in January.

On the cusp of the world's top 100 and boasting an impressive 10-4 Cup record in singles and doubles, Hunter loomed as a key piece of the jigsaw for new captain Sam Stosur on Friday and Saturday.

It's a shocking blow for the Queenslander who was the face of the event in her home state. Pending scans, the injury could have longer-term impacts on her push to try to get inside the world's top 100.

'Storm went to take off for a ball and unfortunately has sustained a very serious injury, so she's going to be getting an MRI tonight,' Stosur said.

'Obviously the tie still continues and we've made a decision. Dasha's going to go in place of her to play tomorrow, but obviously we're all rallying behind Storm and wishing her the very, very best and the quickest recovery possible.'

While the seriousness of the injury remains unknown, Tennis Australia also released a statement wishing the Aussie star a speedy recovery.

'We're all rallying behind Storm and wishing her the very, very best and the quickest recovery possible,' it read. 

Stosur had overlooked Saville for singles action, at least until Saturday's reverse singles rubbers, despite the 30-year-old boasting the highest ranking in the squad. 

Hunter, who ended 2023 as the No.1 doubles player in the world, will also have to be replaced in the doubles in Brisbane.

Picked for the first time since 2016, Arina Rodionova - ranked 103rd in the world - was nominated as Australia's No.1 at Thursday's draw, with Hunter (No.116) the hosts' No.2 player.

Having earlier this year become the oldest woman to crack the top 100 for the first time, the 34-year-old Rodionova will face Mexico's Giuliana Olmos in the first match on Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena on Friday.

Saville will face Marcela Zacarias following Rodionova's opening clash against Giuliana Olmos on Friday.