Teenage sensation Maya Joint and Kimberly Birrell have spearheaded Australia to an opening-day win over Portugal in the Billie Jean King Cup play-offs in Hobart.

World number 95 Birrell got past number 255 Matilde Jorge 6-4 6-4 in Friday's first singles match, before Australia's top-ranked woman Joint followed suit.

Number 32 Joint, who has surged up the rankings in 2025, beat 202-ranked Francisca Jorge 7-5 7-5 at the same venue where she made the Hobart International semi-finals in January.

Nineteen-year-old Joint, who has broken through with two titles this season, was shaky early and had her serve broken in the opening game but regrouped, saving a break point at 4-4 in the second set before breaking to win the final game.

"I was pretty nervous going into the match but it feels reall

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