Johanna Konta and Heather Watson play doubles at the Miami Open, WTA Miami 2018
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/BPI/REX/Shutterstock | Johanna Konta and Heather Watson play doubles at the Miami Open, WTA Miami 2018

Konta & Watson lead British charge for the Fed Cup World Group II play-off

By Ros Satar

  • LTA names team to face Japan for the Fed Cup World Group II play-off
  • Johanna Konta, Heather Watson, Gabriella Taylor and Anna Smith to face Japan away
LONDON, UK – The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has named the British team who will strive for a place in the elusive World Group II, with Johanna Konta and Heather Watson spearheading the British challenge.

 

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As the clay court season gets underway, it will be delayed for British (and indeed Japanese) stars as they battle for a spot in the World Group in the Fed Cup play-off.Β The LTA named the GB Fed Cup team to play against Japan at the (rather fantastically named) Bourbon Beans Dome (indoor hard court) in Miki, Japan.

 

Who is in the GB Fed Cup Team?

  • Johanna Konta (WR-23)
  • Heather Watson (WR-77)
  • Gabriella Taylor (WR-175)
  • Anna Smith (DWR-48)

Commenting on the announcement in an LTA statement, GB Fed Cup Captain and LTA Senior Coach Anne Keothavong said:

β€œI am delighted to name our strongest possible team travelling to Japan for the World Group II Play Off.Β  We have been so close since 2012 and hopefully the fourth will be a charm.

β€œFed Cup is a unique privilege to wear your nation’s colours and it’s something I know all of our team takes great pride in.Β  Women’s tennis in the UK is at its highest point in over three decades and we now have eight players inside the world’s Top 250, led by Johanna and Heather at the very top, who between them have played nearly 60 matches in the competition.

β€œJapan will have home support and a very capable team as they also won their zonal group.Β  Our team spirit is second to none and I’m delighted that Fed Cup debutante Gabi Taylor, who has improved her ranking 160 spots in the last four months, will be joining our seasoned doubles expert Anna Smith in our line-up.”

 

The team representing Japan is:

  • Naomi Osaka
  • Kurumi Nara
  • Miyu Kato
  • Makoto Ninomiya

 

How to watch the GB Fed Cup Team in the play-off

Tennis fans will able to follow all the actionΒ and to cheer on the GB Team from the comfort of their own homes when the squad takes on Japan this month.Β  The World Group II Play-Off is set to be broadcast live on TV byΒ BT Sport, with radio coverage provided byΒ BBC 5 LiveΒ and online coverage via BBC live events platform.

 

Play at the two-day event gets underway onΒ Saturday 21 April 13:00Β local time (5amΒ in Britain) andΒ Sunday 23 April 12:00Β local time (4amΒ in Britain).

 

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