Elena Rybakina defeats Kim Birrell in straight sets in BrisbaneMaya Joint loses to Yulia Putintseva in BJK Cup qualifying tie
Big-hitting former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has out-gunned Kim Birrell to secure victory for Kazakhstan over Australia in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie in Brisbane.
Rybakina recovered from a double break of serve down in the second set to beat Birrell 6-3, 7-6 (4) to give the Kazakhs an unassailable 2-0 lead after world No 23 Yulia Putintseva defeated rookie teenager Maya Joint 6-2, 6-1 in the opening singles match.
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