next »

[angiebabez]

Last updated: 05/02/2013
Fed Cup 2013 - Israel Preview

The Aegon GB Fed Cup Team by Getty Images
The Aegon GB Fed Cup Team are in Israel ahead of their Fed Cup by BNP Paribas tie in Euro/Africa Zone Group I. Here we preview their chances...
The GB Fed Cup Team currently in Israel is made up of largely the same players as last year but they are a very different prospect 12 months on.
The Team
Heather Watson and Laura Robson
Haeather Watson is currently the British No.1, ranked at 41 in the world, and in the last six months alone has won her first WTA singles title and reached the third round of the Australian Open, equalling her best ever Grand Slam performance.
Laura Robson's progression is almost the same. The 19 year old is now 45 in the world, reached her first WTA singles final less than six months ago and also progressed to the third round at the first Grand Slam of 2013 in Melbourne.
Both players have recorded notable victories, over the likes of Petra Kvitova, Sabine Lisicki and Kim Clijsters, and the young duo will spearhead the British campaign in Eilat, a year on from being the third and fourth choice British players.
Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha
Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha, who won't be playing due to injury, have now appeared in 12 GB Fed Cup squads and will be able to provide valuable experience in their roles as player or on the support team.
 
Johanna Konta
Britain's newcomer in 2013 is Johanna Konta. The 21 year-old world No.142, joins the team in Israel for the first time after making waves at the 2012 US Open by qualifying for the main draw when she defeated 23 year-old Chinese No.4 Shuai Zhang 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
Judy Murray
Judy Murray was fresh into the job of Team Captain 12 months ago, and has presided over a successful campaign, in Israel 2012, and a defeat away to Sweden in April last year.
The Opponents
So what of GB's opponents? At 18 in the world GB are the second highest ranked team competing in Euro/Africa Zone Group I, just one ranking place behind Belarus, who are weakened by being without world No.1 Victoria Azarenka this week.
The British team are seeded second overall and lead Group B where they have been drawn against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary and Portugal. The highest ranked player amongst all of those nominated for their opponents is Timea Babos, who, at 79, is the only top 100 player GB will face in the group stages.
There are only three players out of the entire 16 teams' nominations who are ranked higher than Britain's No.1. The two Radwanskas representing Poland and Sorana Cirstea of Romania.
Still, the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team will know better than to look too far ahaed and will be focused and ready for their opponents this week. But bubbling under the surface will be a cool sense of excited optimism. Good luck team, get the job done.

[Fiverings]

Anyone else think that Laura's becoming one of the hottest girls on the tour, in every sense?

[robbie]

Meow Elly..

[Elly]

Meow Elly..

I see you've been let out again.  Can't possibly think it's for good behaviour...

[Elena]

Heather and Laura both looking gorgeous here http://instagram.com/p/VW3u3ctAJR/

Rain stopped play today,but should be playing tomorrow morning. Judy tweeted "Hanging around. Nothing to do but frown. Rainy days n Wednesdays always get me down". 5 days rain per yr in Eilat. We got 1 of em.

[Sabine]

Lookin hot!

[TheMadHatter]

Laura is stunning.

[Elena]

GB v Portugal today.

Laura bts Margarida Moura WR 975 2&1 but Hev loses 1&4 to Michelle Larcher de Brito WR 130 (CH 76 in 2009)

Then there seemed to be a change of plan, and Judy put Heather straight back on court (instead of Jo Konta) to play the doubles with Laura. GB won 6-2 6-1.

Well done the girls, and well done Judy.