Romania are set for a tough Fed Cup semi-final away to France as Germany are on the verge of keeping their World Group status.
It’s Fed Cup weekend again which means Romania are on the verge of history as they set to take on France in the semi-finals in Rouen.
Meanwhile France are looking to upset the odds as they compete in their fourth Fed Cup semi-final in five years with Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Romania Fed Cup captain Florin Segarceanu anticipates a tough test but is confident of their chances of reaching the final, “It will be a tough one but Simona (Halep) is really fit and looking forward to winning two points which is going to be a big help for us,” he said to FedCup.com.
“The other matches will be close. We are focused, but it is difficult to forget the win over the Czechs. We carry it in our memories. The final is a dream for us, a dream for the girls. It means so much to us, and we hope it comes true.”
Tomorrow will see Roland Garros champion Simona Halep kick things off against Kristina Mladenovic while Carolina Garcia will follow against Mihaela Buzarnescu.
Both of the selections of Mladenovic and Buzarnescu have caused controversy and Segarceanu admitted he was surprised to see Mladenovic instead of Cornet, “I’m a little bit surprised they named Mladenovic. I thought they would go with Cornet. But it is a good tactic. They may feel she has more chance against Simona. We’ll see.”
Meanwhile the other semi-final will take place in Brisbane where Australia host a strong Belarusian team. There were surprise first day selections there too as Sam Stosur and Victoria Azarenka have been chosen to represent their nations.
Stosur, who won the Australian Open doubles title, will face Aryna Sabalenka in the first match on day one which will be followed by Ashleigh Barty taking on Miami doubles partner Victoria Azarenka.
Australia are looking for their first final since 1993.
Germany Take Early Lead In Riga
Meanwhile play has already started in Riga where Germany have taken a 2-0 lead away to Latvia thanks to wins from Andrea Petkovic and Julia Goerges.
The latter struggled against Diana Marcinkevica but can seal Germany’s place in next year’s world group with a win over Jelena Ostapenko tomorrow.
The top shots from today's #FedCup action will give you that #FridayFeeling 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IZxY4hFKlh
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 19, 2019
Here are some of the other things to watch out for this weekend in the other ties as teams battle for promotion:
- Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens look to keep USA’s place in the World Group with a win over Switzerland.
- Garbine Muguruza leads Spain’s charge over Belgium as they look to be in the World Group again.
- Reigning Champs Czech Republic look to remain in World Group against Weakened Canadians.
- Great Britain look to be in the top tiers of the Fed Cup for the first time in 28 years when they host Kazakhstan.
