JOINT GOES DOWN IN BJK CUP DEBUT TO GIVE KAZAKHSTAN 1-0 LEAD

Team Captain Sam Stosur offers advice to Maya Joint on the bench. (Getty/Chris Hyde)

It was 18-year-old Maya Joint's debut for Australia, and it was a tough assignment against world No.21 Yulia Putintseva in the crucial Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.

The experienced 30-year-old Kazakh prevailed 6-2 6-1 in one hour and 14 minutes.

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Although the scoreline reads as a one-sided affair, Joint had many chances to get herself into the match. 

She had chances to break at 2-2 in the first and 1-1 in the second which easily could have changed the momentum of each set. 

However, Putintseva’s experience shone, particularly during those pressure moments. 

The young Aussie also struggled at times to handle the diverse array of shotmaking from the Kazakh. 

Putintseva’s effective use of slice, drop shots and looping groundstrokes did see Joint struggle to keep rhythm and consistency in the match. 

Buoyed by a boisterous Kazakh contingent in the crowd, Putintesva took her BJK Cup record to 21-11 in singles matches. 

Although her opponent wasn’t known until this morning, Putintseva revealed she had prepared to face Joint.

"99.9 per cent we were sure it was going to be Joint," she said in her post-match press conference.

"We were preparing for Joint."

She also acknowledged the vocal Kazakh crowd.

"It gives energy when you have such a good crowd behind you," she said.

"I love playing in Brisbane in general, the crowd and the people."

Birrell must upset Rybakina

Australia now needs to win the next match to keep the tie alive. 

Australia's No.1 will face world No.10 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

A win would see the tie decided by the doubles.

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