Harriet Dart celebrated Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup victory over Sweden at the Copper Box in London with a 6am flight to Japan on Monday.
The British No3 is bidding to make up the 35 places required to qualify for the main draw of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of next season, with a trio of tournaments in Asia.
Dart was brought in to replace Jodie Burrage, who struggled on her debut in the event on the opening day, and won the final point to ensure victory with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Caijsa Hennemann.
Following the win, Dart said: “I’m going to Asia on Monday for three weeks. I had a really tough start to the year and the last couple of months I’ve been feeling good.
“So, I thought I would just keep pushing a little bit, try for Australia and see what happens. And to be able to play a match today is obviously very beneficial. I think I’ll sleep well on the plane.”
British No1 Katie Boulter had earlier beaten Rinaldo Persson 6-1, 7-6 and Dart’s subsequent victory put the tie out of Sweden’s reach and maintained Britain’s place in the world group ahead of the qualifiers in April.
Dart said: “To be able to present GB is always a huge honour but also to be able to play a tie in London is so special. I’m a Londoner so to be in front of all my friends and family is extra special.”
