By Ros Satar
Aegon GB Fed Cup – World Group II Play-off (GB v Argentina)
The Aegon GB Fed Cup team that will face Argentina in the BNP Paribas World Group II play-off was announced this week.
The team consists of:
- Laura Robson (British Rank: 1, World: 39)
- Johanna Konta (British: 3, World: 154)
- Anne Keothavong (British: 4, World: 184)
- Elena Baltacha (British: 6, World: 209)
- Team Captain: Judy Murray.
Sadly the team will be without the British no. 2, Heather Watson, who is recovering from the later stages of Glandular Fever.
Murray has excelled in fostering a great team image, which was echoed by Watson.
She said: I will not only be missing the tennis but the team spirit and all the fun we have when we are together.”
There is arguably a little more strength in depth currently in the women’s team, with the top three players in the Top 200, which Murray has described as a great mix of youth and experience in the squad.
She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for GB to grab a place in the World Group II and we will be doing everything we can to make that happen.”
Former British no. 1, Elena Baltacha may well play a more active role in the squad, having played her first match in nine months, following foot surgery.
Baltacha had to retire in the third set against Canada’s Sharon Fichman, at the ITF clay event in Pelham, Alabama.
Damn had my opportunities..nearly had her..but unfortunately the body conked out!! Loved every second of it though..so happy to be back xx
— Elena (@ElenaBaltacha) April 10, 2013
If GB win this tie, they will be promoted to the eight-nation 2014 World Group II, and are currently ranked 16th in the world.
Aegon GB Davis Cup Team – Will Face Croatia Away in September
After the thrilling conclusion of the draw between GB and Russia at the weekend, the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team has been drawn to play Croatia, in an away tie.
British no. 1 and World no. 2, Andy Murray, has indicated he will make himself available to join the team for this tie.
And as Croatia has two players within the top 100, this will be welcome news for Team Captain, Leon Smith.
He said: “In Marin Cilic, they have an extremely strong No. 1 player who is currently ranked 11 in the world.
“Ivan Dodig is their current No. 2 singles player and ranked at 54.
“But as we saw last weekend, anything is possible in Davis Cup.”
In round one of the World Group 2013 competition, Cilic and Dodig played all five rubbers between them across the tie, losing 2-3 away to Italy.
They last faced GB in 2007, on grass at Wimbledon, when they were defeated 4-1 by GB, in a team which featured Jamie Baker, Andy and Jamie Murray and where Tim Henman played his last Davis Cup tie.
Croatia are currently ranked 11 in the world rankings, and GB ranked 30.
Croatia have until April 30th to decide on a venue and surface on which to host the September tie, and the winners will move into the World Group, 2014.
The losers will play in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I in 2014.