Lulu Sun and Erin Routliffe Join New Zealand Billie Jean King Cup Team

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s top singles player, Lulu Sun, and renowned doubles player, Erin Routliffe, have been named to represent the country in the Billie Jean King Cup. They will compete against Poland and Romania in the upcoming BJK Cup Play-offs next month.

The team is rounded out by Vivian Yang, Jade Otway, and Elyse Tse. They will head to Poland for the round-robin play-offs in the 2026 qualifiers.

This marks New Zealand’s first appearance in the play-offs in over 30 years, having topped the Asia/Oceania Group I in April. This significant achievement came under the leadership of captain Matt Hair, who led the team to four victories from five ties during their campaign in India earlier this year.

“April was a special milestone for the team. The hard work, belief and unity to reach this stage meant so much,” Hair said. “Now, as we prepare for the Billie Jean Cup play-offs, we are ready to take on the challenge ahead. Finishing top of the group in India proved that we belong here and have the quality to make a real impact at this competition.”

Poland’s team is expected to feature top players such as Iga Swiatek, Magda Linette, and Magdalena Frech. Romania enters with two players ranked in the top 60, Jaqueline Christian and Sorana Cirstea.

The event is set to take place from November 14 to 16 at the Arena Gorzow in Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poland. The competition format includes three matches: two singles followed by a doubles match. The seven group winners will proceed to the 2026 qualifiers, whereas the remaining teams will contest in the 2026 Regional Group I events.