Having made a name for herself as a doubles specialist, Ena Shibahara has shown she also has what it takes to stand out in singles, according to Japan's Billie Jean King Cup captain Ai Sugiyama.

Former Top 5 doubles player Ena Shibahara continued her singles rise this season, defeating fellow qualifier Kimberly Birrell 6-4, 7-6(4) in the first round of the Guadalajara Open AKRON on Tuesday.