The schedule for next year’s Fed Cup competition has been announced with more players allowed to play for their country in the tournament.
ITF president Davis Haggerty has confirmed that the size of teams will be increased to a maximum of five players. Although the format of the competition will remain unchanged. World Group I and II will have eight teams participating in each category. The winners of the Group II ties are promoted to a play-off stage where they will take of the quarter-finals losers in Group I for a chance to be promoted to the highest category.
“The ITF Board and the Fed Cup committee has approved that we will expand the teams to five players. Which will be great for the captains and for more players to be able to compete for their nation.” Haggerty said during the draw ceremony.
Six out of the eight nations in the top group are from Europe. In the first round, referred to as the quarter-finals in the competition, 2017 champions America will host Australia. Two years ago Team USA scored a comprehensive 4-0 triumphed over their Australian rivals. The Czech Republic will host Romania in what will be only their third meeting in the history of the tournament. Belgium faces a tough test at home against France and Germany will lock horns with Belarus.
Here is who will face off in the 2019 #FedCup World Group first round!
Which tie are you most excited for? 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Gygrl1zYNI
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) July 24, 2018
In World Group II, Switzerland will take on Italy in what will be only the second clash between the two countries and the first since 1977. Latvia will host their first ever Fed Cup tie against Slovenia. Meanwhile, Japan will take on Spain and the Netherlands hosts Canada.
Here is the full draw for the 2019 #FedCup World Group II first round!
Are you pleased with how the draw went for your nation? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8lc1JU1OI4
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) July 24, 2018
The dates for next year is that the first round matches will take place between February 9th-10th. In April the second round as well as playoffs will occur on 20th and 21st followed by the final in November (9th-10th).
Unlike the Davis Cup, there has been little talk about revamping the Fed Cup. Next month a vote will take place on transforming the men’s team tournament where the finals could be held in a neutral venue. Diving opinion amongst players. Earlier this year the head of the French Tennis Federation, Bernard Giudicelli, said talks are underway to increase the number of teams competing in the top level tiers of the Fed Cup. A motion the could be put forward at the upcoming ITF AGM meeting.
This year’s Fed Cup final will be between the Czech Republic and the USA.
