Congratulations to Bolivia and Chile, after competing in Fed Cup Group II play in Puerto Rico last week – they advanced to Group I for 2015. Group II play continues for the Europe/Africa Zone Wednesday through Friday in Lithuania. Eight nations are competing for two spots in Group I next year, while two will be relegated to Group III in 2015.
This weekend determines the 2014 Fed Cup Finalists as Czech Republic hosts Italy and Australia hosts Germany…
After winning the Fed Cup title two years in-a-row (2011 and 2012), Czech Republic fell to Italy in last year’s World Group Semifinals. Italy would go on to win the Fed Cup title for the third time in five years (2009, 2010, 2013). As you can see, these two nations have locked-up Fed Cup competition five years running. This year, the Tie will feature Petra Kvitova, Lucie Safarova, Klara Koukalova and Andrea Hlavackova vs. Sara Errani, Roberta Vinci, Karin Knapp, and Camila Giorgi. Camila’s fresh off her first WTA Final in Katowice.
In the other Fed Cup Semifinal, Australia returns to the Fed Cup Semifinals for the first time since 1993. It’s Germany’s first Semifinal appearance since 1995. They’re playing in Brisbane with Sam Stosur anchoring Team Australia, alongside Casey Dellacqua, Ashleigh Barty and Storm Sanders. The Germans will feature Charleston winner Andrea Petkovic, Doha Finalist Angelique Kerber, Julie Georges and Anna-Lena Groenefeld. [divider style=”solid”]
St. Louis: Team USA vs. Team France
Without Serena Williams, Team USA will face a tough test simply to remain in the World Group for 2015. Playing at home in St. Louis, the Americans will face Team France and two ladies who just won titles over the weekend: Alize Cornet and Caroline Garcia. A loss would relegate Team USA to World Group II In 2015. A French win would elevate France from World Group II into the World Group for 2015.
Team USA: Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, Varvara Lepchenko, Christina McHale
Team France: Alize Cornet, Caroline Garcia, Virginie Razzano, Clair Feuerstein
The draw ceremony will be Friday (12:00pm-CDT) at the St. Louis Public Library. Saturday’s matches begin at 3:15p at St. Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena. Sunday’s matches will begin at 12:45p.
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Fed Cup Ties being played this weekend…
Fed Cup World Group Semifinals:
- Czech Republic hosts Italy
- Australia hosts Germany
World Group Playoffs: Nations who lost World Group First Round Ties vs. Nations who won World Group II First Round Ties
- Russia hosts Argentina*
- Canada* hosts Slovak Republic
- USA hosts France* (STL)
- Spain hosts Poland*
* Nations who won World Group II Ties to reach the World Group Playoffs
World Group II Playoffs: Nations who lost World Group II First Round Ties vs. Nations who won Group I Ties
- Romania* hosts Serbia
- Netherlands* hosts Japan
- Sweden hosts Thailand*
- Brazil* hosts Switzerland
* Nations who won Group I Ties to reach the World Group II Playoffs
Group II (Americas) – 12 nations competed last week in Puerto Rico. Bolivia and Chile advanced to Group I play in 2015.
Group II (Europe/Africa) – 8 nations compete in Lithuania Wednesday through Friday. The top two teams will be promoted to Group I for 2015; two will also be relegated to Group III. Nations competing: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Finland, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa.
