“But you’ve got to try and get into more of the tour events where you’re playing the best players all the time, so it’s not a shock when it happens.

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“Then you start to realise you can match it with the best in the world. It doesn’t become foreign, it isn’t as big a deal to go and play on a court like this, so I think it’s just the experiences they have to get to.

“I think in months to come hopefully they’ll be able to take that next leap out of that and make the most of their schedule on the main tour.”

While Australia’s singles prospects will take time to develop, Rockhampton product Storm Hunter has set about establishing herself as one of the world’s leading doubles contenders.

The 29-year-old - No.3 on the doubles circuit - is fresh off her triumph at the WTA 1000 in Dubai. In January, she reached the third round of the Australian Open as an individual for the first time.

Stosur said Hunter’s rise was no flash in the pan, having spearheaded Australia’s Cup charge in recent years.

“She is showing she is one of the best players in the world on the doubles court, but in ... the Billie Jean King Cup, she’s really stepped up and led the team really in the last couple of years with her performances in playing singles as well,” Stosur said.

“She’s probably the most experienced playing in this competition ... and hopefully, her form can continue in these next couple of weeks by the selection deadline.

“When you’re playing for your country anything can happen, rankings sort of go out the window playing in competitions like this.

“We do have a really good group of players, but obviously, we’d love to see their rankings keep getting higher and higher, which I’m sure in months to come we’ll be able to see that.”

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