Australian captain Alicia Molik has named teenager Destanee Aiava to make her Fed Cup debut in this month's World Group II playoff against Serbia.
With long-time spearhead Samantha Stosur once again sitting out the tie to focus on her singles career, Molik named 16-year-old Aiava alongside Daria Gavrilova, Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua for the indoor hard tie in Zrenjanin on April 22-23.
Aiava burst onto the professional scene at the Brisbane International in January, beating three higher-ranked players to qualify for the main draw of the WTA Premier event.
She survived a nerve-wracking overnight rain delay to win her first-round match against American veteran Bethanie Mattek Sands, a multiple grand slam doubles champion.
Rewarded with a wildcard into the Australian Open, Aiava became the first player born this century to compete in a grand slam singles main draw.
"We all saw Destanee's talent and determination during the Aussie summer and I'm really looking forward to seeing her blossom and develop as she matures into a professional tennis player," Molik said on Wednesday.
Molik will also blood 17-year-old Jaimee Fourlis, who reached the second round of the Australian Open, in the squad as an orange girl.
"Destanee and Jaimee will see first-hand what a fantastic team this is," Molik said.
"Dasha (Gavrilova), Ash and Casey are a truly professional unit, with a great work ethic and a willingness to put the team first to get the job done.
"I'm looking forward to a week of hard work, great team spirit, and of course a big win."
Australia must beat Serbia to retain their place in World Group II, amongst Fed Cup nations ranked nine to 16.
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