Hair confident young Kiwis can rise to BJK Cup test

New Zealand captain Matt Hair says his squad has fully earned the right to compete against some of the world’s strongest tennis nations as they prepare for this weekend’s Billie Jean King Cup ties against Poland and Romania in Poland.

New Zealand is back in the Play-offs for the first time in three decades, after a successful campaign in India earlier this year to secure promotion. 

Hair said that result showed the team belonged on this stage and justified their place alongside nations with long-established tennis depth.

“Being in the top division and competing against the best in the world is something we have truly earned,” Hair said. 

“Our win in India proved that we belong here, and now we have the incredible chance to test ourselves against the strongest teams in the world.”

New Zealand enters the weekend without its No 1 singles player, Lulu Sun, who was ruled out through injury. 

While acknowledging the setback, Hair said the situation gives the squad’s younger players the opportunity to gain rare experience at elite international level.

“Losing Lulu to injury is a tough blow, no doubt, but it also opens the door for our young players to gain valuable experience at the highest level,” he said. 

“While her absence is a short-term challenge, it’s an important step in building a stronger future for our team.”

The New Zealand squad features three rising players; Elyse Tse, Jade Otway and Vivian Yang, alongside the nation’s leading doubles player, Erin Routliffe, who is fresh off winning the US Open with Gaby Dabrowski.

Hair said the week in Poland was about more than simply competing against big-name opponents, including the prospect of facing global superstar Iga Świątek in front of the Polish crowd.

“This week isn’t just about going up against world-class players and teams like Poland and Iga Świątek,” Hair said. “It’s about learning, growing, and making the most of every moment together.”

He said the squad’s youthful energy, combined with Routliffe’s leadership, created a balance for what he expects to be a challenging but rewarding campaign.

“We have got a young, hungry group ready to embrace the challenge, and we are lucky to have Erin Routliffe, the reigning US Open doubles champion and recently a world No 1 doubles player, leading by example both on and off the court,” he said.

Hair also highlighted the work being done behind the scenes to give players every chance to perform.

“I have also brought in an experienced and dedicated support staff to make sure everyone, from our top professionals to our emerging players, has what they need to perform their best,” he said.

“They have all been incredible, and whilst I know they will take this opportunity to show what they are capable of, I’m even more sure of the culture they’re all building for the future.”

New Zealand will face Poland on Friday at the Arena Gorzow, followed by the tie against Romania on Sunday, with each tie consisting of two singles matches and a doubles rubber.

The nation finishing in first place in each Play-off group will advance to the 2026 Qualifiers, where they will compete for a place at the 2026 BJK Cup Finals. 

The nations finishing in second and third place in each group will compete in one of the three regional Group I events (Americas, Asia/Oceania or Europe/Africa) next season.