That’s the message from the Australian Fed Cup team after they secured a place in the World Group with a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in Wollongong on Sunday. 

Australia entered the second day of play locked with the Dutch at one rubber apiece, however Ashleigh Barty and Daria Gavrilova quickly made it Australia’s day after claiming both reverse singles rubbers.

And Australia’s players have made it clear they’re not just happy to be back in the World Group, they want lasting success.

“Absolutely, we can challenge for the title next year,” Barty said.

“You look at the nations that have dominated in the last ten years or so, I think one of the most dominant countries has been the Czech Republic, they have quality singles players and a quality doubles combination and that’s what we have. For us, we just need to be in a position to give ourselves a chance.”

The Australian team looks built for the long term, with 21-year-old Barty and 24-year-old Gavrilova set to form the crux of the Fed Cup squad for years to come.

Sam Stosur may be in the twilight of her career, but she still has plenty to add to this team and 17-year-old Destanee Aiava is rated as a future star by captain Alicia Molik. 

“We’re pretty lucky and privileged, we’ve got a great team,” Molik said.

“We’ve got senior players, we’ve got experience, we’ve got a grand slam champion, we’ve got a top 20 player, WTA tournament winner in Dasha and she’s also very close to the top 20 at the moment, and Destanee had her first Fed Cup match and has won her first rubber ever.

“I think we aren’t just contenders, but we are a genuine chance to win the Fed Cup next year.”

“We don’t just have great players, now we’ve got a lot of experience too. That counts for so much, it’s really important. I think it’s natural to expect a lot of ourselves and I think that’s the way we have to approach the Fed Cup next year.”

Barty started Australia’s charge in the opening match by overcoming Lesley Kerkhove in a tough battle.  

The Queenslander prevailed 6-4, 6-2 in 66 minutes, with the 21-year-old claiming a tight opening set before exerting her dominance in the second. 

After upsetting Sam Stosur on Saturday, Kerkhove started on song against Barty. The world No.210 controlled her service games, forcing Barty deep behind the baseline and dictating points from start to finish. 

Barty, however, dominated with her serve, a lone blip early in the second set the only occasion she looked vulnerable. Kerkhove’s play dropped off as the match wore on and Barty capitalised, claiming the last four games of the second set to close out the match.

If Barty’s victory was a fairly stable affair, Daria Gavrilova’s was much more of a rollercoaster. The Australian followed periods of brilliance with a string of unforced errors, however her serve ultimately got her out of a number of jams in the 6-3, 6-2 victory. 

While Gavrilova struggled at times, she was able to deliver when it mattered most. The crucial points were almost always won by the Australian, with a number of match turning points going Gavrilova’s way. 

Gavrilova then returned to partner with Aiava in the doubles, with Australia claiming a 6-3, 6-2 victory.