The weekend for the 2016 Fed Cup semis and playoffs is here, and the story is almost more about who isn't playing than who is, which is a shame. I feel like this is a great week in the calendar for players to be able to fit this competition in with the tour transitioning from hard courts to clay and from the US to Europe. Even stalwarts like Radwanska and Kvitova are sitting this one out. But now, to focus on those who will don the national colors this weekend and what we might see. And I think we still could a number of very competitive ties.
World Group Semifinals
Czech Republic at Switzerland: The Swiss are dealt a blow with Bencic being injured, and it is going to be tough against the Czech B-team (although Safarova is winless on the season after returning from injury). Pliskova and Strycova are still good players, albeit without much Fed Cup singles experience, and now it is Bacsinszky and likely Golubic to play singles. It's hard to see a way the Swiss to find their way to the deciding doubles and Hingis, and the Czechs as usual will field a good doubles team (Hradecka/Strycova ?) if there. They'll likely need Bacsinszky to win twice, and while possible, is not likely. CZE 3 SUI 1
France at Netherlands: The Dutch knocked mighty Russia earlier, and at what point to stop doubting them. At least they have a top 100 player now (Bertens - 96), but France is arguably a better team than Russia without Sharapova. Mladenovic, Garcia, and Cornet should be too much for Bertens and Hogenkamp, but we were even saying that about Dutch opponents in zone play. That French can be flaky too (especially this season) so I'm not counting the Dutch out. I'm not so sure they won't push it to the doubles, but Mladenovic will be waiting there. FRA 3 NED 2
World Group I Playoffs
United States at Australia: This will be a very interesting tie as a very out-of-form Keys and an in-form Vandeweghe lead the US into Australia on clay against a capable Stosur and Gavrilova. The US probably needs Keys to pull it together and one, maybe two matches, and if I was captain I would consider McHale or Mattek-Sands on day 1. Every one of these matches is going to be difficult to predict and that goes for doubles too with Dellacqua/Stosur vs Mattek-Sands/whoever. Stosur isn't always at her best in Australia, but this will be on clay and I don't have much confidence in the American team. AUS 3 USA 1
Belarus at Russia: Here's a classic one-player team versus deep team as Azarenka takes on the young Russians Kasatkina, Gasparyan, and Kulichkova anchored by a very much in form veteran Vesnina. Azarenka is probably going to need some help from Govortsova or Sasnovich because Vesnina is going to tough to beat in doubles (and maybe singles too), and she's been playing with Kasatkina most of the year. There could be some high quality matches here given the form of Azarenka, Kasatkina, and Vesnina, but I don't see how Belarus wins a rubber outside of Azarenka's singles. I think it's more likely Azarenka loses a singles match (see hasn't played on clay yet) than Govortsova, Sasnovich, or the doubles team wins one. RUS 3 BLR 2
Germany at Romania: We'll look forward to Kerber/Halep clash on day 2 and both teams have good supporting players as well with Lisicki, Beck, and Goerges for Germany and Niculescu, Begu, and Dulgheru for Romania. It's a big home court advantage for Romania, and they've picked clay, the favorite surface of Halep. Kerber might be banged up after withdrawing from Charleston so I like Romania. Petkovic is not in great form and I doubt the Germans will throw Beck out there. Begu and Niculescu have performed admirably in Fed Cup, with or without Halep. ROU 3 GER 1
Italy at Spain: Yet another solid tie, without Muguruza and Suarez Navarro both playing for Spain and Errani and Vinci present for Italy. Those four could comprise the players in all 5 rubbers, and again it's anyone's guess as to who wins each match. Spain is at home on clay, which is typically a good sign for both Davis and Fed Cup teams but Italy is perhaps equally adept on the surface. None of these players are really in all that great of form but I'm going with Italy simply based on their experience in the competition and the fact that their defensive skills may be able to neutralize Muguruza's power, especially on clay. But really, I've got no idea here. ITA 3 ESP 1
World Group II Playoffs
Taiwan at Poland: This was set to be a fairly straightforward rout until Radwanska pulled out. It still could be, since in Taiwan's first playoff appearance since '07 their singles players are ranked 186 and 355 (no Hsieh). But Poland looks like their having trouble filling their roster as it is now Kania and no. 263 Katerzyna Kawa as their highest ranked players. I still think Poland should pull it out but I'm not very familiar with these players, so who knows? POL 3 TPE 1
Belgium at Serbia: Jankovic recently pulled out so now Serbia is without a top 100 player to take on Wickmayer and an in-form Flipkens. Krunic has been good in Fed Cup in the past but she may be required to beat both Belgians to keep the tie live to the doubles, where anything can happen. I'll give her one win, but not two. BEL 3 SRB 1
Argentina at Ukraine: Rather than play for her country, Svitolina was busy losing in the first round of Bogota. But Ukraine still has Tsurenko and Bondarenko against an Argentine side without anyone ranked in the top 200 (Irigoyen and Podoroska, who were very good in zonal competition). I guess you given the visitors a pat on the back and say congratulations for getting here (where are Ormaechea and Dulko when you need them?). UKR 3 ARG 0
Canada at Slovakia: And yet another team not fielding a top 200 player is Canada, and they'll be going up against two top 40 players, one of which (Cibulkova) is underranked after an injury year last year. But Schmiedlova has been awful this year so Canada has a shot and beating her with Abanda, Fichman, or Wozniak, but then again, the Slovaks could go to Cepelova and probably be ok. At any rate, Cibulkova should be able to prevent to hosts from dropping into zonal play. SVK 3 CAN 1
Lower Levels
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II: Philippines plays Singapore for the one promotion to Group I after Singapore upset seeded Indonesia and last year's Group I relegated team Hong Kong to advance out of their pool.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II: Still one day of pool play left, but Denmark (without Wozniacki) has clinched one pool with Lithuania and Finland to play for 2nd. The other pool (Bosnia: 2-0, Austria/Liechtenstein: 1-1, Egypt: 0-2) is still up in the air.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group III: 17 countries competed at this level, and the promotion ties are Saturday. Luxembourg somehow emerged from a pool that included Greece (Sakkari) and Tunisia (Jabeur) and will play Moldova, which emerged from a wild final day that nearly saw "tennis powerhouses" Cyprus and Madagascar advance. Norway has clinched another pool, beating Montenegro with Kovinic (8-6 in 3rd set TB in doubles), and they will play Macedonia.
Enjoy the weekend!
Showing posts with label Fed Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fed Cup. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
2016 Fed Cup Week 1 Preview
It's getting a little last minute but I wanted to write a few thoughts on the upcoming Fed Cup ties.
World Group I
Czech Republic at Romania: Halep stepped in to this tie at the last moment, delaying a surgery, which on paper is good for Romania but if she's really hurt, how effective can she be, especially against top 15 players Kvitova and Pliskova. I expect the Czechs to run away with this tie thanks to Kvitova's Fed Cup prowess and the tie being on an indoor hard court. With a curious choice (or lack of other player commitment) of Mitu and Olaru for players 3 & 4, I feel it's going to take a heroic effort from Niculescu for Romania to keep this close. I do think they'll manage to scratch out one singles rubber though. CZE 3 ROU 1
Switzerland at Germany: The new world no. 2 and Aussie Open champ comes home to adoring fans and a tough Fed Cup test against Bencic and Bacsinszky. And with Petkovic's recent form, they're going to need her. The Bacsinszky/Petkovic match on day 2 could be critical (assuming Kerber wins her 2 matches) with Hingis looming for doubles. The Germans might be wise to bring Beck off the bench here. Somehow I think Bacsinszky will find a way, or the Germans will choke somewhere along the line. SUI 3 GER 2
Italy at France: It seems age is finally catching up with Italians. Their star Pennetta is retired and Vinci is skipping the tie so it's Errani and Giorgi for singles duty. They're up against the red-hot Mladenovic, but she may need to win 3 ties, since she's teamed with the ice-cold Garcia. The French came from 0-2 down to beat Italy last year, and I think they'll beat them again behind 3 points from Mladenovic. You know she'll win the doubles if it comes to that. FRA 3 ITA 2
Netherlands at Russia: Despite Russia not being as dominant as years ago, this has to be one of the bigger mismatches in World Group I play. Sharapova wasn't even nominated but Russia still sends out their Fed Cup stalwarts Kuznetsova and Makarova against Bertens and Hogenkamp (and maybe Rus at some point). The 7-match Dutch win streak ends in Moscow in three lopsided contests. RUS 3 NED 0
World Group II
Australia at Slovakia: Neither Cibulkova nor Hantuchova nominated (both apparently on the roster) for Slovakia but somehow Australia is ending up with world no. 275 Arina Rodionova nominated for second singles behind Stosur. Stosur will need to win all 3 points (doubles with Dellacqua will be potent if it gets there) for the Aussies to win this, but either Schmiedlova or Cepelova will get her at home. SVK 3 AUS 1
Belarus at Canada: No Bouchard or Azarenka in Quebec City, so Canada doesn't have player ranked inside the top 300 and Belarus is left with an adequate group of Govortsova and Sasnovich and the teen star Vera Lapko. That should be enough versus Abanda and Wozniak, who I haven't seen in a draw in quite some time. BLR 3 CAN 1
Poland at United States: Neither Radwanska making the trip to Hawaii, and the USA has packed a good punch with Venus and Stephens for singles, and Mattek-Sands/Vandeweghe if it gets to doubles. Linette and Kania will be hard-pressed to get a match but maybe Stephens chokes or Venus gets upset like she has a tendency to do. USA 3 POL 1
Spain at Serbia: Muguruza and Suarez Navarro are present for Spain while Serbia has Jankovic and Jovanovski. Both Spaniards are decent enough on hard courts, CSN fresh off an Aussie Open QF. Jankovic has been inconsistent of late and Jovanovski, although often a Fed Cup star, is down to no. 87 in the world. Plus Muguruza/Suarez Navarro is potent doubles partnership if it gets to that. I don't think it will. ESP 3 SRB 1
Zonal Groups I
These are round robin affairs that have been taking place all week with only the promotion/relegation ties remaining.
Europe/Africa: BEL vs GBR & UKR vs ISR - Teen Katie Swan has been good all week in the #2 singles spot for Great Britain but Bonaventure from Belgium is a better player than she's faced. Watson/van Uytvanck should be a good one. Belgium will want to finish them off in two because Rae/Smith have been excellent in Fed Cup doubles. Host Israel lost their opening tie to Turkey but fought back and stunned Croatia to reach the final. Ukraine with Bondarenko and Tsurenko should just be too good but don't count out Peer and Glushko's home court. I still think Belgium (slight upset) and Ukraine will advance.
Americas: ARG vs PAR - Argentina got 4 singles wins from 18-yr-old world no. 319 Nadia Podoroska, overcoming Pereira and Brazil to reach the final. They'll be the overwhelming favorites vs Paraguay, who overachieved to reach the final, playing without Cepede Royg.
Asia/Pacific: JPN vs TPE - It's been a crazy week in Thailand where Japan was upset by Uzbekistan on day 1 and Taiwan beat Kazakhstan. The Uzbeks would have made the final had they not lost to lowly India today. Japan would seem to be the favorite but Taiwan has Hsieh but Chan/Chan for doubles and that's a 1-2 punch that can win these 3 rubber ties. Likely Hibino and Nara or Hozumi will need to win singles matches and given this week I can't see both of them doing. Taiwan to advance.
Relegation ties: TUR def. SWE, HUN def. RSA, BOL def. PER, COL def. ECU, UZB def. KOR
Americas Zonal Group II
PUR (with Puig) def. CHI, VEN def. GUA
World Group I
Czech Republic at Romania: Halep stepped in to this tie at the last moment, delaying a surgery, which on paper is good for Romania but if she's really hurt, how effective can she be, especially against top 15 players Kvitova and Pliskova. I expect the Czechs to run away with this tie thanks to Kvitova's Fed Cup prowess and the tie being on an indoor hard court. With a curious choice (or lack of other player commitment) of Mitu and Olaru for players 3 & 4, I feel it's going to take a heroic effort from Niculescu for Romania to keep this close. I do think they'll manage to scratch out one singles rubber though. CZE 3 ROU 1
Switzerland at Germany: The new world no. 2 and Aussie Open champ comes home to adoring fans and a tough Fed Cup test against Bencic and Bacsinszky. And with Petkovic's recent form, they're going to need her. The Bacsinszky/Petkovic match on day 2 could be critical (assuming Kerber wins her 2 matches) with Hingis looming for doubles. The Germans might be wise to bring Beck off the bench here. Somehow I think Bacsinszky will find a way, or the Germans will choke somewhere along the line. SUI 3 GER 2
Italy at France: It seems age is finally catching up with Italians. Their star Pennetta is retired and Vinci is skipping the tie so it's Errani and Giorgi for singles duty. They're up against the red-hot Mladenovic, but she may need to win 3 ties, since she's teamed with the ice-cold Garcia. The French came from 0-2 down to beat Italy last year, and I think they'll beat them again behind 3 points from Mladenovic. You know she'll win the doubles if it comes to that. FRA 3 ITA 2
Netherlands at Russia: Despite Russia not being as dominant as years ago, this has to be one of the bigger mismatches in World Group I play. Sharapova wasn't even nominated but Russia still sends out their Fed Cup stalwarts Kuznetsova and Makarova against Bertens and Hogenkamp (and maybe Rus at some point). The 7-match Dutch win streak ends in Moscow in three lopsided contests. RUS 3 NED 0
World Group II
Australia at Slovakia: Neither Cibulkova nor Hantuchova nominated (both apparently on the roster) for Slovakia but somehow Australia is ending up with world no. 275 Arina Rodionova nominated for second singles behind Stosur. Stosur will need to win all 3 points (doubles with Dellacqua will be potent if it gets there) for the Aussies to win this, but either Schmiedlova or Cepelova will get her at home. SVK 3 AUS 1
Belarus at Canada: No Bouchard or Azarenka in Quebec City, so Canada doesn't have player ranked inside the top 300 and Belarus is left with an adequate group of Govortsova and Sasnovich and the teen star Vera Lapko. That should be enough versus Abanda and Wozniak, who I haven't seen in a draw in quite some time. BLR 3 CAN 1
Poland at United States: Neither Radwanska making the trip to Hawaii, and the USA has packed a good punch with Venus and Stephens for singles, and Mattek-Sands/Vandeweghe if it gets to doubles. Linette and Kania will be hard-pressed to get a match but maybe Stephens chokes or Venus gets upset like she has a tendency to do. USA 3 POL 1
Spain at Serbia: Muguruza and Suarez Navarro are present for Spain while Serbia has Jankovic and Jovanovski. Both Spaniards are decent enough on hard courts, CSN fresh off an Aussie Open QF. Jankovic has been inconsistent of late and Jovanovski, although often a Fed Cup star, is down to no. 87 in the world. Plus Muguruza/Suarez Navarro is potent doubles partnership if it gets to that. I don't think it will. ESP 3 SRB 1
Zonal Groups I
These are round robin affairs that have been taking place all week with only the promotion/relegation ties remaining.
Europe/Africa: BEL vs GBR & UKR vs ISR - Teen Katie Swan has been good all week in the #2 singles spot for Great Britain but Bonaventure from Belgium is a better player than she's faced. Watson/van Uytvanck should be a good one. Belgium will want to finish them off in two because Rae/Smith have been excellent in Fed Cup doubles. Host Israel lost their opening tie to Turkey but fought back and stunned Croatia to reach the final. Ukraine with Bondarenko and Tsurenko should just be too good but don't count out Peer and Glushko's home court. I still think Belgium (slight upset) and Ukraine will advance.
Americas: ARG vs PAR - Argentina got 4 singles wins from 18-yr-old world no. 319 Nadia Podoroska, overcoming Pereira and Brazil to reach the final. They'll be the overwhelming favorites vs Paraguay, who overachieved to reach the final, playing without Cepede Royg.
Asia/Pacific: JPN vs TPE - It's been a crazy week in Thailand where Japan was upset by Uzbekistan on day 1 and Taiwan beat Kazakhstan. The Uzbeks would have made the final had they not lost to lowly India today. Japan would seem to be the favorite but Taiwan has Hsieh but Chan/Chan for doubles and that's a 1-2 punch that can win these 3 rubber ties. Likely Hibino and Nara or Hozumi will need to win singles matches and given this week I can't see both of them doing. Taiwan to advance.
Relegation ties: TUR def. SWE, HUN def. RSA, BOL def. PER, COL def. ECU, UZB def. KOR
Americas Zonal Group II
PUR (with Puig) def. CHI, VEN def. GUA
Friday, November 13, 2015
Fed Cup and Davis Cup Final Thoughts
I thought I'd write a few words about the upcoming Fed and Davis Cup finals.
Fed Cup: Russia at Czech Republic
There are 3 top 10 players involved in this tie in Sharapova, Kvitova, and Safarova plus Pliskova who was fairly recently in the top 10 and was nominated for the second singles place with Safarova having not played much in recent weeks.
This has the potential to be a closely contested tie but I predict the Czechs will win their 4th title in 5 years. Kvitova has won her last 2 meetings against Sharapova and both were on indoor hard courts. I expect both #1s to win their singles on Saturday to set up that pivotal 3rd rubber clash which I think Kvitova will take. Then it will be up to either Safarova or Pliskova to clinch the tie though you never know what you're going to get with Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian is in fine form and is the wild card in this tie. There's even a outside chance she'll take down Kvitova on day 1. But the Czechs are the home team and we know how well Kvitova plays on indoor hard. If the tie does get to the doubles with either Sharapova or Pavlyuchenkova winning on Sunday, I like the Czechs in the doubles simply because Makarova hasn't touched a racquet in a real match since the US Open not to mention Safarova/Strycova are formidable in the their own right. I also can't see Makarova/Vesnina having the mental stamina to win a live 5th rubber on the road. But then there's also a slight chance, depending on Makarova's health, that Pavlyuchenkova plays with Vesnina...
Lots of possible scenarios for this tie but I'm going with CZE 3 RUS 1
Davis Cup: Great Britain at Belgium
Unlike all the top 25 players running around in Prague, the tie in Ghent is not quite so star-studded will the notable exception of the world no. 2 of course, Murray. Goffin, also, is up to world no. 16 and has had a nice year but I'm not sure beating Murray is ever going to happen, which means the hosts will need to win the doubles and beat Ward twice. I've picked against the Brits in every tie this year I believe but I'm not going it here. Belgium doesn't have the second singles player or doubles team that the USA, France, and Australia all had. There's a fairly decent chance Ward will beat Darcis or whoever is the Belgian no. 2, and the Murray brothers will be difficult to beat in doubles, after they've already bested Mahut/Tsonga and Groth/Hewitt. I've give Goffin the win over Ward but otherwise it's a Murray as he joins Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer with Davis Cup titles. GBR 3 BEL 1
Fed Cup: Russia at Czech Republic
There are 3 top 10 players involved in this tie in Sharapova, Kvitova, and Safarova plus Pliskova who was fairly recently in the top 10 and was nominated for the second singles place with Safarova having not played much in recent weeks.
This has the potential to be a closely contested tie but I predict the Czechs will win their 4th title in 5 years. Kvitova has won her last 2 meetings against Sharapova and both were on indoor hard courts. I expect both #1s to win their singles on Saturday to set up that pivotal 3rd rubber clash which I think Kvitova will take. Then it will be up to either Safarova or Pliskova to clinch the tie though you never know what you're going to get with Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian is in fine form and is the wild card in this tie. There's even a outside chance she'll take down Kvitova on day 1. But the Czechs are the home team and we know how well Kvitova plays on indoor hard. If the tie does get to the doubles with either Sharapova or Pavlyuchenkova winning on Sunday, I like the Czechs in the doubles simply because Makarova hasn't touched a racquet in a real match since the US Open not to mention Safarova/Strycova are formidable in the their own right. I also can't see Makarova/Vesnina having the mental stamina to win a live 5th rubber on the road. But then there's also a slight chance, depending on Makarova's health, that Pavlyuchenkova plays with Vesnina...
Lots of possible scenarios for this tie but I'm going with CZE 3 RUS 1
Davis Cup: Great Britain at Belgium
Unlike all the top 25 players running around in Prague, the tie in Ghent is not quite so star-studded will the notable exception of the world no. 2 of course, Murray. Goffin, also, is up to world no. 16 and has had a nice year but I'm not sure beating Murray is ever going to happen, which means the hosts will need to win the doubles and beat Ward twice. I've picked against the Brits in every tie this year I believe but I'm not going it here. Belgium doesn't have the second singles player or doubles team that the USA, France, and Australia all had. There's a fairly decent chance Ward will beat Darcis or whoever is the Belgian no. 2, and the Murray brothers will be difficult to beat in doubles, after they've already bested Mahut/Tsonga and Groth/Hewitt. I've give Goffin the win over Ward but otherwise it's a Murray as he joins Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer with Davis Cup titles. GBR 3 BEL 1
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Fed Cup Wrap-Up: CZE vs RUS in Final
It was a thrilling weekend of Fed Cup play, with some surprises, some questionable captain's decisions, and some drama, with 3 live 5th rubbers with action from Japan to Canada.
World Group Semifinals
CZE 3 FRA 1: Safarova was chosen to play singles alongside Kvitova and she save match points to hold off Garcia to open the tie. That turned out to be the high-water mark for the French as Kvitova beat Mladenovic and Garcia in back-to-back matches to clinch the tie and get the Czechs to their 4th final in 5 years.
RUS 3 GER 2: The play of Kuznetsova and Pavlyuchenkova was good then bad but the real player in this tie has to German captain Rittner for playing Goerges and Lisicki on day 1, where they both lost. Grant it Lisicki probably should have beaten the lower-ranked Pavlyuchenkova, but then on day 2 Kerber and Petkovic dropped a combined 4 games in 2 rubbers to put the tie on level terms. But the Russians Pavyluchenkova/Vesnina took out Lisicki/Petkovic in straight sets for the Russians in a tie that perhaps the Germans should have won in 3 matches.
2015 Final: Russia at Czech Republic - An potentially intriguing tie, especially if the Russians could play Sharapova and Makarova, although you'd think that's doubtful.
World Group I Playoffs
ITA 3 USA 2: Really a total disaster by the USA, who won a combined 8 games in 3 matches that were not Serena's singles (and including her doubles match with Riske). And Serena herself was pressed into 2 tiebreaks, and had to save match points to beat Errani. Errani and Pennetta beat Davis and then McHale in singles, then teamed up to beat Riske/Williams, after Giorgi gave Serena a tough match to open the tie.
NED 4 AUS 1: Stosur couldn't go with an injury prior to the and world no. 86 destroyed Dellacqua and Gajdosova in singles, dropping a total of 9 games against players ranked about 40 spots above her. Dellacqua did beat Rus and then Gajdosova bageled her, but the world no. 217 came back to clinch the tie 7-5 in the 3rd to get the underdog Dutch into World Group I for the first time since '98.
SUI 3 POL 2: Bacsinszky continued her amazing hot streak, dropping only 5 games in singles against the Radwanska sisters, including only 2 lost against the world no. 9. It was Hingis, not Oprandi, playing second singles with Bencic missing, and she came within a set of clinching the tie. But Urszula came back to force a deciding doubles rubber. The Swiss captain may have gotten a little aggressive to not save Hingis for the doubles but Golubic bailed them out, teaming with Bacsinszky to defeat A.Radwanska/Rosolska 9-7 in the 3rd, sending the Poles to another defeat on home soil. The Swiss reach the World Group I for the first time since '04.
ROU 3 CAN 2: The homecoming for Bouchard was not good. The Canadians started strong when 18-yr-old world no. 260 Abanda upset February's hero Begu. But Bouchard couldn't follow up the victory and she lost back-to-back matches to Dulgheru and Mitu. Abanda nearly saved the bacon to force a live 5th rubber but Dulgheru came from a set down to clinch and advance Romania to the World Group I for the first since '92 (when there was only one World Group), and this without the services of Halep.
2016 World Group I countries: Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Switzerland
World Group II Playoffs
SRB 4 PAR 1: This was on pace to be the most lopsided of the weekend's ties after Ivanovic and Krunic dropped a combined 6 games on day 1. But then Jorovic was sent out for singles on day 2 and was beaten by Cepede Royg. But Gonzalez had no answer for Krunic, winning just 2 games as Serbia certainly showed off their depth return to World Group II after a one year absence.
SVK 4 SWE 0: This did turn out to be the most lopsided after Larsson had to pull out with an injury leaving Celik and Peterson to battle Schmiedlova and Hantuchova. The result was expected, 3 straight set victories for the host Slovaks.
BLR 3 JPN 2: Azarenka found her form early in the weekend, winning all 4 of her singles sets versus Doi and Nara, but Nara and Morita were able to beat Govortsova and Sasnovich, both in 3 sets to force a deciding doubles match. But Azarenka/Govortsova defeated Aoyama/Morita in that one and Belarus returns to World Group II for the first time since '12.
ESP 4 ARG 0: Spain got the tie off to bang with 18-yr-old Sorribes Tormo upsetting Ormaechea, who often excels in Fed Cup especially at home, in the one tie Argentina probably absolutely had to have. Arruabarrena dropped only 1 game versus Irigoyen but got a stiff test from Ormaechea in her attempt to clinch the tie. But the Spaniard prevailed 9-7 in the 3rd, coming from a set down, to keep Spain in World Group II.
2016 World Group II countries: Australia, Belarus, Canada, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
In Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II India defeated Philippines in the decisive doubles match with doubles world no. 1 Mirza in action. They return to Group I for the first time since '13.
In Europe/Africa Zonal Group III Wozniacki did her job and got some help from Barbat (who won the second singles in a 3rd set tiebreak) to defeat Greece and earn promotion back to Group II for the first time since '12. Lithuania also advanced, defeating Moldova in the decisive doubles, to make their relegation in Group III last only one year.
World Group Semifinals
CZE 3 FRA 1: Safarova was chosen to play singles alongside Kvitova and she save match points to hold off Garcia to open the tie. That turned out to be the high-water mark for the French as Kvitova beat Mladenovic and Garcia in back-to-back matches to clinch the tie and get the Czechs to their 4th final in 5 years.
RUS 3 GER 2: The play of Kuznetsova and Pavlyuchenkova was good then bad but the real player in this tie has to German captain Rittner for playing Goerges and Lisicki on day 1, where they both lost. Grant it Lisicki probably should have beaten the lower-ranked Pavlyuchenkova, but then on day 2 Kerber and Petkovic dropped a combined 4 games in 2 rubbers to put the tie on level terms. But the Russians Pavyluchenkova/Vesnina took out Lisicki/Petkovic in straight sets for the Russians in a tie that perhaps the Germans should have won in 3 matches.
2015 Final: Russia at Czech Republic - An potentially intriguing tie, especially if the Russians could play Sharapova and Makarova, although you'd think that's doubtful.
World Group I Playoffs
ITA 3 USA 2: Really a total disaster by the USA, who won a combined 8 games in 3 matches that were not Serena's singles (and including her doubles match with Riske). And Serena herself was pressed into 2 tiebreaks, and had to save match points to beat Errani. Errani and Pennetta beat Davis and then McHale in singles, then teamed up to beat Riske/Williams, after Giorgi gave Serena a tough match to open the tie.
NED 4 AUS 1: Stosur couldn't go with an injury prior to the and world no. 86 destroyed Dellacqua and Gajdosova in singles, dropping a total of 9 games against players ranked about 40 spots above her. Dellacqua did beat Rus and then Gajdosova bageled her, but the world no. 217 came back to clinch the tie 7-5 in the 3rd to get the underdog Dutch into World Group I for the first time since '98.
SUI 3 POL 2: Bacsinszky continued her amazing hot streak, dropping only 5 games in singles against the Radwanska sisters, including only 2 lost against the world no. 9. It was Hingis, not Oprandi, playing second singles with Bencic missing, and she came within a set of clinching the tie. But Urszula came back to force a deciding doubles rubber. The Swiss captain may have gotten a little aggressive to not save Hingis for the doubles but Golubic bailed them out, teaming with Bacsinszky to defeat A.Radwanska/Rosolska 9-7 in the 3rd, sending the Poles to another defeat on home soil. The Swiss reach the World Group I for the first time since '04.
ROU 3 CAN 2: The homecoming for Bouchard was not good. The Canadians started strong when 18-yr-old world no. 260 Abanda upset February's hero Begu. But Bouchard couldn't follow up the victory and she lost back-to-back matches to Dulgheru and Mitu. Abanda nearly saved the bacon to force a live 5th rubber but Dulgheru came from a set down to clinch and advance Romania to the World Group I for the first since '92 (when there was only one World Group), and this without the services of Halep.
2016 World Group I countries: Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Switzerland
World Group II Playoffs
SRB 4 PAR 1: This was on pace to be the most lopsided of the weekend's ties after Ivanovic and Krunic dropped a combined 6 games on day 1. But then Jorovic was sent out for singles on day 2 and was beaten by Cepede Royg. But Gonzalez had no answer for Krunic, winning just 2 games as Serbia certainly showed off their depth return to World Group II after a one year absence.
SVK 4 SWE 0: This did turn out to be the most lopsided after Larsson had to pull out with an injury leaving Celik and Peterson to battle Schmiedlova and Hantuchova. The result was expected, 3 straight set victories for the host Slovaks.
BLR 3 JPN 2: Azarenka found her form early in the weekend, winning all 4 of her singles sets versus Doi and Nara, but Nara and Morita were able to beat Govortsova and Sasnovich, both in 3 sets to force a deciding doubles match. But Azarenka/Govortsova defeated Aoyama/Morita in that one and Belarus returns to World Group II for the first time since '12.
ESP 4 ARG 0: Spain got the tie off to bang with 18-yr-old Sorribes Tormo upsetting Ormaechea, who often excels in Fed Cup especially at home, in the one tie Argentina probably absolutely had to have. Arruabarrena dropped only 1 game versus Irigoyen but got a stiff test from Ormaechea in her attempt to clinch the tie. But the Spaniard prevailed 9-7 in the 3rd, coming from a set down, to keep Spain in World Group II.
2016 World Group II countries: Australia, Belarus, Canada, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
In Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II India defeated Philippines in the decisive doubles match with doubles world no. 1 Mirza in action. They return to Group I for the first time since '13.
In Europe/Africa Zonal Group III Wozniacki did her job and got some help from Barbat (who won the second singles in a 3rd set tiebreak) to defeat Greece and earn promotion back to Group II for the first time since '12. Lithuania also advanced, defeating Moldova in the decisive doubles, to make their relegation in Group III last only one year.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Fed Cup Preview
Another Fed Cup week is upon us and I couldn't resist posting my thoughts about it here.
World Group Semifinals
France at Czech Republic: The Czechs look very strong in this tie with Kvitova, Pliskova, Safarova, and Zahlavova Strycova. It will be interesting to see who plays second singles behind the reigning Wimbledon champion with Safarova the veteran but Pliskova playing well against Canada earlier this year. Although France pulled off a remarkable comeback against Italy on clay, this one will be much tougher for Cornet, Garcia, Mladenovic, and Parmentier. I'm not sure they'll even get a foothold in this match, although the Italians are often as feisty in Fed Cup as the Czechs. I think someone on the French side will pull an upset (and if it would go to the doubles I like Mladenovic since the Czechs don't have an obvious doubles team like they sometimes do) but the hosts are too strong and too deep here. CZE 3 FRA 1
Germany at Russia: Sharapova couldn't get healthy so Russia is left with Kuznetsova and Pavlyuchenkova with Vesnina and (for some odd reason) Zvonareva as reserves. (Not sure why Makarova has suddenly abandoned Fed Cup.) Germany is at full strength with Petkovic, Kerber, Goerges, and Lisicki and I have the feeling this one could get ugly. Russia needs Kuznetsova to get very hot but I've lost all faith in Pavlyuchenkova doing much with her career. The Germans are in form (Kerber won in Charleston last week and Petkovic was in the semis) so I think they'll make a second consecutive final. GER 3 RUS 1
World Group I Playoffs
United States at Italy: The Americans and Italians have tangled quite a bit in recently with Italy always emerging victorious. This will be classic Fed Cup case of individual versus team, Serena versus Italy as the world no. 1 is backed up by Riske, McHale, and Davis, since Venus pulled out, and none of those is in particularly good form, save perhaps Davis after a nice run in Charleston. Not sure where the other Americans are, or a doubles team, which could be their downfall. There's even the slim chance Pennetta beats Serena and Giorgi is an in form player to come off the bench (or you could start her against Serena and bring Errani off the bench in the 4th rubber since the former French Open finalist has no chance against Serena). I like Italy here whether it's in 4 or 5 rubbers because I can't the young Americans winning a rubber. ITA 3 USA 2
Australia at Netherlands: The Dutch have massively punched above their weight in this competition for a couple years while the Aussies have often underwhelmed. Stosur is not in form, nor Dellacqua or Gajdosova either so is this a recipe for another upset? It wouldn't shock but I'm not going to go so far as predict. I think Stosur can do enough and the Aussies are the better team. Bertens, Hogenkamp, Rus, and Krajicek should be game though especially at home, and the doubles match might be a toss up. This could be able a crazy back and forth tie but I can't pull the trigger on the upset. AUS 3 NED 2
Switzerland at Poland: After the disaster against Russia, the Radwanska sisters have another home tie to redeem themselves and keep the Poles in the World Group. The Swiss come in with the in form Bacsinszky but not with Bencic. Also intriguing is Hingis if the tie were to go live to the doubles. I don't know that Oprandi (or Golubic?) will be able to get a win, so the Aga/Bacsinszky tie looms large. I think Radwanska can redeem herself and get this tough win to lead the Poles to victory, with her younger sister clinching in the 4th rubber, leaving Hingis on the sidelines. POL 3 SUI 1
Romania at Canada: Halep, after years of devotion to Fed Cup, opts out of Romania's biggest tie in many years while Bouchard is back in the fold for Canada, giving us another classic individual versus team, although Bouchard is not in great form. Begu and Dulgheru (or Mitu) are better players than Dabrowski and Fichman (and possibly Abanda) so I actually like Romania here. There's a decent chance Bouchard loses a rubber, but if she doesn't Romania should win the doubles. ROU 3 CAN 1
World Group II Playoffs
Paraguay at Serbia: If only Paraguay had gotten some unlucky soul to have to come to Paraguay... Instead their at Serbia, and Ivanovic and Jankovic decide to actually show up for a Fed Cup tie together. I'm a fan of underdogs and Cepede Royg and Gonzalez are decent players in South America, but this isn't South America, it's the world nos. 6 and 18, with Krunic as a capable back up. Hopefully they can enjoy the experience. SRB 3 PAR 0
Sweden at Slovakia: For so many years you could count on Arvidsson and Larsson playing Fed Cup, and often winning (especially in the Europe zone). But Arvidsson is fading with age and Larsson is a late pull out leaving Peterson and some unknown Swedes to battle the in form Schmiedlova plus Hantuchova and possibly Cepelova (now ranked outside the top 100). I'm afraid this could be another blowout, although Peterson (only 19) has shown some future promise. SVK 3 SWE 0
Belarus at Japan: The trip to Japan can often be tricky, sometimes because of who doesn't show up with the visitors, but this time the visitor's have their big gun, Azarenka, to go against Nara, Doi, Aoyama, and Morita. Govortsova and Sasnovich have also proved capable backups for Belarus. The question will be if the Japanese could beat Govortsova (or Sasnovich) twice and I'm not sure they can. Japan would have a decent chance in the doubles with Aoyama, but I don't think it will get that far. BLR 3 JPN 1
Spain at Argentina: Spain picked to poor time to not get the support of their top players Suarez Navarro and Muguruza, not to mention Torro-Flor. This leaves Arruabarrena, Sorribes Tormo, Medina Garrigues, and the just pressed into action top junior Bolsova Zadoinov to battle the Argentines Ormaechea and Irigoyen in Buenos Aires, where the hosts are very tough outs. Throw the rankings aside for Argentina, who even gave the US a mild scare in February when Serena couldn't go on Sunday, I think it's possible they'll dominate this tie. The wild card here though in Sorribes Tormo, who had that nice run in Charleston for her WTA wins, but I'm sticking with the hosts. ARG 3 ESP 1
Also going on is zonal group action in Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II and Europe/Africa Zonal Group III.
In Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II, being played in India, the hosts are through to the semis vs Turkmenistan while Indonesia plays the Philippines. Only one country will advance to Group I next year, and it should be India being at home, the highest ranked player in the group, and Mirza available for doubles. Teams not advancing: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
In Europe/Africa Zonal Group III, Wozniacki was in action in Montenegro, trying to get the Danes out of the lowest level of the competition. The world no. 5 will need help from either Barbat or Grage to win their singles or help her win in doubles to fend off the Greeks with Daniilidou, not an easy task. In the other promotion tie, Lithuania takes on Moldova. The hosts Montenegro were without Kovinic (playing in Bogota) and they went 0-2. Other teams failing to advance to the promotion ties were Algeria, Armenia, Cyprus, Iceland, Macedonia, Namibia, and Norway.
World Group Semifinals
France at Czech Republic: The Czechs look very strong in this tie with Kvitova, Pliskova, Safarova, and Zahlavova Strycova. It will be interesting to see who plays second singles behind the reigning Wimbledon champion with Safarova the veteran but Pliskova playing well against Canada earlier this year. Although France pulled off a remarkable comeback against Italy on clay, this one will be much tougher for Cornet, Garcia, Mladenovic, and Parmentier. I'm not sure they'll even get a foothold in this match, although the Italians are often as feisty in Fed Cup as the Czechs. I think someone on the French side will pull an upset (and if it would go to the doubles I like Mladenovic since the Czechs don't have an obvious doubles team like they sometimes do) but the hosts are too strong and too deep here. CZE 3 FRA 1
Germany at Russia: Sharapova couldn't get healthy so Russia is left with Kuznetsova and Pavlyuchenkova with Vesnina and (for some odd reason) Zvonareva as reserves. (Not sure why Makarova has suddenly abandoned Fed Cup.) Germany is at full strength with Petkovic, Kerber, Goerges, and Lisicki and I have the feeling this one could get ugly. Russia needs Kuznetsova to get very hot but I've lost all faith in Pavlyuchenkova doing much with her career. The Germans are in form (Kerber won in Charleston last week and Petkovic was in the semis) so I think they'll make a second consecutive final. GER 3 RUS 1
World Group I Playoffs
United States at Italy: The Americans and Italians have tangled quite a bit in recently with Italy always emerging victorious. This will be classic Fed Cup case of individual versus team, Serena versus Italy as the world no. 1 is backed up by Riske, McHale, and Davis, since Venus pulled out, and none of those is in particularly good form, save perhaps Davis after a nice run in Charleston. Not sure where the other Americans are, or a doubles team, which could be their downfall. There's even the slim chance Pennetta beats Serena and Giorgi is an in form player to come off the bench (or you could start her against Serena and bring Errani off the bench in the 4th rubber since the former French Open finalist has no chance against Serena). I like Italy here whether it's in 4 or 5 rubbers because I can't the young Americans winning a rubber. ITA 3 USA 2
Australia at Netherlands: The Dutch have massively punched above their weight in this competition for a couple years while the Aussies have often underwhelmed. Stosur is not in form, nor Dellacqua or Gajdosova either so is this a recipe for another upset? It wouldn't shock but I'm not going to go so far as predict. I think Stosur can do enough and the Aussies are the better team. Bertens, Hogenkamp, Rus, and Krajicek should be game though especially at home, and the doubles match might be a toss up. This could be able a crazy back and forth tie but I can't pull the trigger on the upset. AUS 3 NED 2
Switzerland at Poland: After the disaster against Russia, the Radwanska sisters have another home tie to redeem themselves and keep the Poles in the World Group. The Swiss come in with the in form Bacsinszky but not with Bencic. Also intriguing is Hingis if the tie were to go live to the doubles. I don't know that Oprandi (or Golubic?) will be able to get a win, so the Aga/Bacsinszky tie looms large. I think Radwanska can redeem herself and get this tough win to lead the Poles to victory, with her younger sister clinching in the 4th rubber, leaving Hingis on the sidelines. POL 3 SUI 1
Romania at Canada: Halep, after years of devotion to Fed Cup, opts out of Romania's biggest tie in many years while Bouchard is back in the fold for Canada, giving us another classic individual versus team, although Bouchard is not in great form. Begu and Dulgheru (or Mitu) are better players than Dabrowski and Fichman (and possibly Abanda) so I actually like Romania here. There's a decent chance Bouchard loses a rubber, but if she doesn't Romania should win the doubles. ROU 3 CAN 1
World Group II Playoffs
Paraguay at Serbia: If only Paraguay had gotten some unlucky soul to have to come to Paraguay... Instead their at Serbia, and Ivanovic and Jankovic decide to actually show up for a Fed Cup tie together. I'm a fan of underdogs and Cepede Royg and Gonzalez are decent players in South America, but this isn't South America, it's the world nos. 6 and 18, with Krunic as a capable back up. Hopefully they can enjoy the experience. SRB 3 PAR 0
Sweden at Slovakia: For so many years you could count on Arvidsson and Larsson playing Fed Cup, and often winning (especially in the Europe zone). But Arvidsson is fading with age and Larsson is a late pull out leaving Peterson and some unknown Swedes to battle the in form Schmiedlova plus Hantuchova and possibly Cepelova (now ranked outside the top 100). I'm afraid this could be another blowout, although Peterson (only 19) has shown some future promise. SVK 3 SWE 0
Belarus at Japan: The trip to Japan can often be tricky, sometimes because of who doesn't show up with the visitors, but this time the visitor's have their big gun, Azarenka, to go against Nara, Doi, Aoyama, and Morita. Govortsova and Sasnovich have also proved capable backups for Belarus. The question will be if the Japanese could beat Govortsova (or Sasnovich) twice and I'm not sure they can. Japan would have a decent chance in the doubles with Aoyama, but I don't think it will get that far. BLR 3 JPN 1
Spain at Argentina: Spain picked to poor time to not get the support of their top players Suarez Navarro and Muguruza, not to mention Torro-Flor. This leaves Arruabarrena, Sorribes Tormo, Medina Garrigues, and the just pressed into action top junior Bolsova Zadoinov to battle the Argentines Ormaechea and Irigoyen in Buenos Aires, where the hosts are very tough outs. Throw the rankings aside for Argentina, who even gave the US a mild scare in February when Serena couldn't go on Sunday, I think it's possible they'll dominate this tie. The wild card here though in Sorribes Tormo, who had that nice run in Charleston for her WTA wins, but I'm sticking with the hosts. ARG 3 ESP 1
Also going on is zonal group action in Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II and Europe/Africa Zonal Group III.
In Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II, being played in India, the hosts are through to the semis vs Turkmenistan while Indonesia plays the Philippines. Only one country will advance to Group I next year, and it should be India being at home, the highest ranked player in the group, and Mirza available for doubles. Teams not advancing: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
In Europe/Africa Zonal Group III, Wozniacki was in action in Montenegro, trying to get the Danes out of the lowest level of the competition. The world no. 5 will need help from either Barbat or Grage to win their singles or help her win in doubles to fend off the Greeks with Daniilidou, not an easy task. In the other promotion tie, Lithuania takes on Moldova. The hosts Montenegro were without Kovinic (playing in Bogota) and they went 0-2. Other teams failing to advance to the promotion ties were Algeria, Armenia, Cyprus, Iceland, Macedonia, Namibia, and Norway.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
2015 Fed Cup 1st Round Wrap
After a fairly bland first day of Fed Cup, the second day delivered with 2 live 5th rubbers and unsung heroes. There were chokes by big names, an 0-2 comeback, and 34-yr-old vets delivering in the clutch. And in the zones, lesser known names like Ivana Jorovic and Veronica Cepede Royg came through big to push their countries toward the next level.
World Group I
CZE 4 CAN 0 - What a debut it was for Czech #3 Karolina Pliskova. She lost 12 games in 4 sets vs Canada's B-team of Abanda and Dabrowski, and Smitkova lost just 3 games in her debut. There are plenty of good Czechs on tour behind Kvitova and Safarova, and this isn't even counting Koukalova or Zahlavova Strycova.
FRA 3 ITA 2 - From the routine to the dramatic. I thought this tie was over when Cornet couldn't manage much against Giorgi as the French went down 0-2 following Errani's tight 2-set win over Garcia to open the proceedings. But I wasn't counting on Mladenovic coming off the bench to stun Errani then teaming with Garcia to rout world nos. 1 Errani/Vinci in the doubles 6-1 6-2 in the live 5th rubber, which was after Garcia had come from a set down to beat Giorgi. An Italian disaster but a thrilling comeback for the French.
RUS 4 POL 0 - The Radwanska's return home to Krakow turned out to be a disaster. Aga started the tie off by losing to a player who hasn't done too much winning recently in Kuznetsova and Sharapova rolled over Ula, losing 3 games. Aga put up a little fight in the 2nd set against Sharapova, but still went down in straights, and Russia marched on.
GER 4 AUS 1 - Petkovic is the marathon woman and this tie very nearly went downhill quickly for the host Germans. Gadjosova upset Kerber and then Petkovic was a brink of defeat vs Stosur before pulling it out 12-10 in the 3rd in 3:16. Kerber made amends for her day 1 loss by beating Stosur in straight sets but Gadjosova wasn't going give up against Petkovic. The German survived 8-6 in the 3rd to send the Germans through to the semis in what was a very long weekend on court for her.
Semifinals: France at Czech Republic, Germany at Russia
World Group II
NED 4 SVK 1 - I thought Rybarikova might be able to carry the Slovaks here but that turned out wrong. She lost to both Rus and Bertens over the weekend and A.Schmiedlova got the only Slovak win, beating Bertens to open the tie. Rus, with a ranking of #218, picked up 2 singles wins over players in the top 100. So the Dutch will play to make World Group I for the first time since '98 while Slovaks will try to avoid dropping into the zones for the first time since '06.
ROU 3 ESP 2 - Spain got a great effort from their Muguruza, winning her singles over Begu and world no. 3 Halep and the 1st set of the deciding doubles (w/Medina Garrigues). But Begu/Niculescu, a regular tour team, came back to win in 3 sets to clinch the live 5th rubber. It was also Begu who kept the tie live by seeing off Soler Espinosa after Halep lost to Muguruza to open day 2. Romania will try to make the World Group I for the first time since '92 (WOW) while Spain has never been in the zones.
SUI 3 SWE 1 - The Swedes were just overwhelmed here with Larsson and 19-yr-old Peterson against the in-form Bacsinszky and the young Bencic. Bacsinszky would be forced into tiebreaks twice, but the visitor's wouldn't lose a live set. The Swiss will play to make the World Group I for the first time since '04.
USA 4 ARG 1 - The Williams sisters rolled through the first day (except for a 7-5 set by Serena vs Irigoyen) but then apparently Serena couldn't go on day 2 and Ormaechea upset Vandeweghe, who's Fed Cup record isn't very good (0-3 now). That left Venus to save the day and she did just that, sending off Irigoyen in straight sets.
World Group I Playoff teams: Australia, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, United States
World Group II Playoff teams: Argentina, Belarus, Japan, Paraguay, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: BLR, SRB
Relegated to Group II: AUT, LIE
Azarenka only played in 2 of Belarus' 4 ties over the week but they still came through with the loss of just one rubber (Larcher de Brito (POR) def. Sasnovich), forcing a live doubles rubber win vs Portugal. Azarenka did take of Watson in the promotion tie in straight sets in clinch the tie after Govortsova, who was undefeated in singles, had beaten Konta. Great Britain lost to Turkey (Buyukakcay stunned Watson) but came back to win the group when they bested Ukraine (Svitolina was 1-2 for the week with losses Watson and Buyukakcay (who went 3-0)).
Serbia got amazing play from both Krunic and little-known Jorovic, who both went undefeated 3-0 in the singles, beating Hungary and Austria in their group and then taking out Croatia in the promotion tie. The Croats beat a Belgian team in the "group of death" who oddly did not play Wickmayer in that critical tie, which came down to doubles after van Uytvanck beat Vrljic (Vekic sat that one out too) and Konjuh beat Flipkens. Croatia won the doubles to advance to promotion tie, Konjuh and Vekic losing there to Jorovic and Krunic.
In the relegation tie, Austria lost the deciding doubles to Latvia and their promising youngsters Marcinkevica and Ostapenko so they are relegated to Group II for the first time ever while outgunned Liechtenstein makes an immediate return.
Americas Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: PAR
Relegated to Group II: CHI, BOL
Brazil won all the live rubbers to reach the promotion tie but curiously Pereira never featured in singles. Paraguay had to go to the doubles against host Mexico after Gonzalez was beaten by Zacarias but Cepede Royg won singles and doubles (w/Gonzalez) that day so they advanced out of the their group. In the promotion, Gonzalez again lost the opening rubber, this time to Goncalves, but Cepede Royg against pushed the tie to the doubles by beating Haddad Maia. Pereira did show up for doubles but she and Gonzalez were beaten by Cepede Royg/Gonzalez and Paraguay makes their first trip to World Group II playoffs since '92.
At the bottom of the group, Chile makes an immediate return to Group II but Venezuela hasn't been there since '11.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: JPN
Relegated to Group II: HKG
China never can seem to get over the hump in this group, and for that matter, the Kazakhs can't either. Both countries had their good players too with Peng, S.Zhang, Diyas, and Shvedova but it was Japan that emerged victorious, and undefeated in rubbers (from the weaker group I might add) with Nara and Doi. It was curious though that Peng only played doubles for China and they (Wang and Zhang) were beaten by Shvedova and Diyas in that critical tie, but the Kazakhs advanced to the promotion tie only to have Putintseva and Shvedova beaten by Doi and Nara.
Hong Kong finished at the bottom of Japan's group then lost the relegation tie to Taiwan, so they make an immediate return to Group II
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Promoted to Group I: EST, RSA
Relegated to Group III: IRL, LUX
Kanepi, Scheepers, and Herzog were the recognizable names in this zone group and as expected 2 of those teams advanced. Finland was the other team to reach the promotion tie where they were beaten soundly by South Africa. Estonia had lost to South Africa when Scheepers beat Kanepi in singles and doubles but still advanced when they beat Slovenia, unfortunately playing without Hercog after she was injured against Ireland, nearly causing the Slovenes to lose that tie. Well Slovenia (along with Austria) should be the favorites for promotion next year. Estonia, after being relegated 3 straight years (playing without Kanepi) have now been promoted in back-to-back years. South Africa returns to Group I for the first time since '06.
Ireland will make an immediate return to Group III but for Luxembourg (now playing without Minella and Kremer, perpetual wildcards at the Luxembourg indoor WTA event) it is back-to-back relegations and their first ever appearance at the Group III level.
So that is that. Another exciting weekend of team competition. We've got Davis Cup coming up in about a month and then the second Fed Cup weekend in the middle of April.
World Group I
CZE 4 CAN 0 - What a debut it was for Czech #3 Karolina Pliskova. She lost 12 games in 4 sets vs Canada's B-team of Abanda and Dabrowski, and Smitkova lost just 3 games in her debut. There are plenty of good Czechs on tour behind Kvitova and Safarova, and this isn't even counting Koukalova or Zahlavova Strycova.
FRA 3 ITA 2 - From the routine to the dramatic. I thought this tie was over when Cornet couldn't manage much against Giorgi as the French went down 0-2 following Errani's tight 2-set win over Garcia to open the proceedings. But I wasn't counting on Mladenovic coming off the bench to stun Errani then teaming with Garcia to rout world nos. 1 Errani/Vinci in the doubles 6-1 6-2 in the live 5th rubber, which was after Garcia had come from a set down to beat Giorgi. An Italian disaster but a thrilling comeback for the French.
RUS 4 POL 0 - The Radwanska's return home to Krakow turned out to be a disaster. Aga started the tie off by losing to a player who hasn't done too much winning recently in Kuznetsova and Sharapova rolled over Ula, losing 3 games. Aga put up a little fight in the 2nd set against Sharapova, but still went down in straights, and Russia marched on.
GER 4 AUS 1 - Petkovic is the marathon woman and this tie very nearly went downhill quickly for the host Germans. Gadjosova upset Kerber and then Petkovic was a brink of defeat vs Stosur before pulling it out 12-10 in the 3rd in 3:16. Kerber made amends for her day 1 loss by beating Stosur in straight sets but Gadjosova wasn't going give up against Petkovic. The German survived 8-6 in the 3rd to send the Germans through to the semis in what was a very long weekend on court for her.
Semifinals: France at Czech Republic, Germany at Russia
World Group II
NED 4 SVK 1 - I thought Rybarikova might be able to carry the Slovaks here but that turned out wrong. She lost to both Rus and Bertens over the weekend and A.Schmiedlova got the only Slovak win, beating Bertens to open the tie. Rus, with a ranking of #218, picked up 2 singles wins over players in the top 100. So the Dutch will play to make World Group I for the first time since '98 while Slovaks will try to avoid dropping into the zones for the first time since '06.
ROU 3 ESP 2 - Spain got a great effort from their Muguruza, winning her singles over Begu and world no. 3 Halep and the 1st set of the deciding doubles (w/Medina Garrigues). But Begu/Niculescu, a regular tour team, came back to win in 3 sets to clinch the live 5th rubber. It was also Begu who kept the tie live by seeing off Soler Espinosa after Halep lost to Muguruza to open day 2. Romania will try to make the World Group I for the first time since '92 (WOW) while Spain has never been in the zones.
SUI 3 SWE 1 - The Swedes were just overwhelmed here with Larsson and 19-yr-old Peterson against the in-form Bacsinszky and the young Bencic. Bacsinszky would be forced into tiebreaks twice, but the visitor's wouldn't lose a live set. The Swiss will play to make the World Group I for the first time since '04.
USA 4 ARG 1 - The Williams sisters rolled through the first day (except for a 7-5 set by Serena vs Irigoyen) but then apparently Serena couldn't go on day 2 and Ormaechea upset Vandeweghe, who's Fed Cup record isn't very good (0-3 now). That left Venus to save the day and she did just that, sending off Irigoyen in straight sets.
World Group I Playoff teams: Australia, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, United States
World Group II Playoff teams: Argentina, Belarus, Japan, Paraguay, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: BLR, SRB
Relegated to Group II: AUT, LIE
Azarenka only played in 2 of Belarus' 4 ties over the week but they still came through with the loss of just one rubber (Larcher de Brito (POR) def. Sasnovich), forcing a live doubles rubber win vs Portugal. Azarenka did take of Watson in the promotion tie in straight sets in clinch the tie after Govortsova, who was undefeated in singles, had beaten Konta. Great Britain lost to Turkey (Buyukakcay stunned Watson) but came back to win the group when they bested Ukraine (Svitolina was 1-2 for the week with losses Watson and Buyukakcay (who went 3-0)).
Serbia got amazing play from both Krunic and little-known Jorovic, who both went undefeated 3-0 in the singles, beating Hungary and Austria in their group and then taking out Croatia in the promotion tie. The Croats beat a Belgian team in the "group of death" who oddly did not play Wickmayer in that critical tie, which came down to doubles after van Uytvanck beat Vrljic (Vekic sat that one out too) and Konjuh beat Flipkens. Croatia won the doubles to advance to promotion tie, Konjuh and Vekic losing there to Jorovic and Krunic.
In the relegation tie, Austria lost the deciding doubles to Latvia and their promising youngsters Marcinkevica and Ostapenko so they are relegated to Group II for the first time ever while outgunned Liechtenstein makes an immediate return.
Americas Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: PAR
Relegated to Group II: CHI, BOL
Brazil won all the live rubbers to reach the promotion tie but curiously Pereira never featured in singles. Paraguay had to go to the doubles against host Mexico after Gonzalez was beaten by Zacarias but Cepede Royg won singles and doubles (w/Gonzalez) that day so they advanced out of the their group. In the promotion, Gonzalez again lost the opening rubber, this time to Goncalves, but Cepede Royg against pushed the tie to the doubles by beating Haddad Maia. Pereira did show up for doubles but she and Gonzalez were beaten by Cepede Royg/Gonzalez and Paraguay makes their first trip to World Group II playoffs since '92.
At the bottom of the group, Chile makes an immediate return to Group II but Venezuela hasn't been there since '11.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Promoted to playoffs: JPN
Relegated to Group II: HKG
China never can seem to get over the hump in this group, and for that matter, the Kazakhs can't either. Both countries had their good players too with Peng, S.Zhang, Diyas, and Shvedova but it was Japan that emerged victorious, and undefeated in rubbers (from the weaker group I might add) with Nara and Doi. It was curious though that Peng only played doubles for China and they (Wang and Zhang) were beaten by Shvedova and Diyas in that critical tie, but the Kazakhs advanced to the promotion tie only to have Putintseva and Shvedova beaten by Doi and Nara.
Hong Kong finished at the bottom of Japan's group then lost the relegation tie to Taiwan, so they make an immediate return to Group II
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Promoted to Group I: EST, RSA
Relegated to Group III: IRL, LUX
Kanepi, Scheepers, and Herzog were the recognizable names in this zone group and as expected 2 of those teams advanced. Finland was the other team to reach the promotion tie where they were beaten soundly by South Africa. Estonia had lost to South Africa when Scheepers beat Kanepi in singles and doubles but still advanced when they beat Slovenia, unfortunately playing without Hercog after she was injured against Ireland, nearly causing the Slovenes to lose that tie. Well Slovenia (along with Austria) should be the favorites for promotion next year. Estonia, after being relegated 3 straight years (playing without Kanepi) have now been promoted in back-to-back years. South Africa returns to Group I for the first time since '06.
Ireland will make an immediate return to Group III but for Luxembourg (now playing without Minella and Kremer, perpetual wildcards at the Luxembourg indoor WTA event) it is back-to-back relegations and their first ever appearance at the Group III level.
So that is that. Another exciting weekend of team competition. We've got Davis Cup coming up in about a month and then the second Fed Cup weekend in the middle of April.
Monday, February 2, 2015
2015 Fed Cup 1st Round Preview
The Australian Open is over, and the Fed Cup takes center stage for the women, as the calendar shifts a little bit this year. This is the biggest Fed Cup weekend of the year with the eight World Group I & II ties, the three Zonal Group I's, plus Europe/Africa Zonal Group II.
World Group I
Czech Republic at Canada: Bouchard, Kvitova, and Safarova are all absent as well as a host of other top 100 Czechs (Canada will the big home court) but Karolina Pliskova is here and that should be enough to carry the defending champions through versus Fichman, Dabrowski, and Abanda. Hradecka and Smitkova are the other Czechs. Where is Bouchard when you really need her? CZE 3 CAN 0
France at Italy: This could be a good one with Errani, Vinci, and Giorgi against Cornet, Garcia, and Mladenovic. What's big here is it is in Italy and on clay, and another turning point could be whether Vinci plays singles, she's hasn't been in great form but she's a Fed Cup stud. This is a tough one to call but I'm going with the home side and the world's top doubles team (though Mladenovic is no slouch). I think they'll find a way to gut out a victory, just don't ask me to pick any of the singles winners. ITA 3 FRA 2
Russia at Poland: With the Olympics around the corner, Sharapova is back interested in Fed Cup as she and Pavlyuchenkova, and Kuznetsova, take on the Radwanska sisters in their hometown of Krakow. Outside of the Australian Open finalist, the Russians are in bad form, so I'm going with the big upset. The court surface in hard court too, so I'll give Aga a fighting chance against Sharapova. POL 3 RUS 1
Australia at Germany: The Germans disappointed in Melbourne but the Aussies didn't exactly light the world on fire either. Stosur is good in Fed Cup outside of Australia but with Dellacqua and Gajdosova behind her I don't think the visitor's can match the depth of Kerber, Petkovic, Lisicki, and Goerges. I'm beginning to second guess myself but I'll still with... GER 3 AUS 1
World Group II
Slovakia at Netherlands: The Dutch are a solid team when it comes to Fed Cup and their home but I think Cibulkova will prove too much, without her I may pick Bertens, Hogenkamp, and Rus to best Rybarikova and Schmiedlova. But Cibulkova is going to be tough to beat and the Slovaks are better to begin with. SVK 3 NED 1
**EDIT: Cibulkova is no longer on the Slovak roster so this becomes an interesting tie and being at home with some Fed Cup upset queens I think the Dutch will get this done, although it's possible it turns into quite a battle. NED 3 SVK 1
Spain at Romania: Muguruza will don a Spanish uniform for the first time, so it's a pity Suarez Navarro won't join her. This tie is not on clay though and that's always important for Spanish team events. But with Muguruza the visitors will have a chance if Halep isn't on her A-game because the supporting cast of Begu, Niculescu, and Dulgheru isn't a formidable of last year's Romanian team with an in-form Cirstea. I don't think Spain has enough firepower here and I think Halep will find a way to bounce back and beat Muguruza. ROU 3 ESP 1
Switzerland at Sweden: Larsson and Arvidsson have been Fed Cup stalwarts for the Swedes but Arvidsson's results have really fallen off as of late and now she's only the 4th-ranked player on her own team. I can't imagine the home team putting up much resistance to Bencic and Bacsinszky. SUI 3 SWE 0
United States at Argentina: I realize Argentina is good at home on clay but this is a team with 3 Australian Open quarterfinalists and two of them are named Williams. The only real question here is who is going to play the singles matches. I pity Ormaechea and Irigoyen. USA 3 ARG 0
(Canada, France, and Poland were promoted from World Group II last year. Slovakia, Spain, and the USA were relegated from World Group I last year. Netherlands and Romania were promoted from Zonal Group I last year.)
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Budapest, Hungary
Group A: Austria, Hungary, Serbia^
Group B: Great Britain, Liechtenstein*, Turkey, Ukraine
Group C: Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia*, Portugal
Group D: Belgium, Croatia, Israel, Latvia
^ Relegated from World Group II in 2014
* Promoted from Zonal Group II in 2014
At first glance, Serbia is the overwhelming favorite in Group A, but they're missing their top 3 players Ivanovic, Jankovic, and Jovanovski, leaving Krunic and some unknowns to battle Mayr-Achleitner's Austrians and Babos' home Hungarians. But Krunic is still the best player in the group and play doubles too so I think the Serbs may advance here, but I won't completely rule out Hungary, playing at home.
Group B likely comes down to the Britain/Ukraine tie and there I like the 1-2 punch of Svitolina and Tsurenko versus Watson and likely Konta since is unavailable.
Azarenka makes her heralded return to Fed Cup alongside decent players Sasnovich and Govortsova and they'll take on Pironkova and her Bulgarians and okay teams in Georgia and Portugal, who have punched above their weight before. Without Azarenka, Bulgaria has a chance but with her the Belorussians should sweep aside the competition.
Group D would be the group of death, to coin the soccer term. Belgium with red-hot Wickmayer, not to mention Flipkens, the young Croats Vekic and Vonjuh, former world no. 11 Peer, and the not to be discounted rising junior star Ostapenko for Latvia. Croatia generally plays well in Fed Cup and Peer generally doesn't, but I think the Belgians will have too much firepower.
Promotion ties: BEL def. SRB, BLR def. UKR (but don't sleep on Ukraine here if this happens)
Relegation ties: AUT def. ISR, GEO def. LIE
Americas Zonal Group I
San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Group A: Brazil, Chile*, Colombia
Group B: Bolivia*, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
With Canada and Argentina now making their home in the World Groups, this is a small group and it's really Brazil's to lose and there's not too much talent here. I keep waiting for Cepede Royg and Gonzalez to boost Paraguay to a playoff spot but I may be waiting forever. Colombia seems to have fallen off with the plateau-ing of Duque Marino and the retirement of Castano, so Pereira should be able to lead the Brazilians past Colombia and then likely Paraguay for another playoff spot.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Guangzhou, China
Group A: Hong Kong*, Japan^, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Group B: China, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Thailand
A couple of uneven groups there. Japan should be able to breeze through Group A while the host Chinese, Kazakhs, and Thais battle it out in Group B. Remember Thailand made the playoffs last year as China, as usual, fell on their faces. China does have their A-team this year though with Peng, Zhang, and S.Zheng while Kazakhstan has the rising Diyas and Putintseva, and the veteran Shvedova. I don't see Thailand factoring in this year as Kumkhum has really fallen off. Something tells me China will choke again and we may finally see the green and gold of the Kazakhs in a playoff with their home-born hero Diyas.
Promotion tie: KAZ def. JPN
Relegation tie: TPE def. KOR
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Tallinn, Estonia
Group A: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Estonia*, South Africa
Group B: Finland, Ireland*, Luxembourg^, Slovenia^
^ Relegated from Zonal Group I in 2014
* Promoted from Zonal Group III in 2014
With Kanepi, Hercog, and Scheepers all in action, I would think two of Estonia, Slovenia, and South Africa will be advancing. The Estonians and South Africans will have the advantage with capable seconds Kontaveit and Simmonds. With the top two teams in each group advancing to the playoff, the second spot comes down to Slovenia vs the loser of Estonia/South Africa. I'll go with EST and SLO advancing.
World Group I
Czech Republic at Canada: Bouchard, Kvitova, and Safarova are all absent as well as a host of other top 100 Czechs (Canada will the big home court) but Karolina Pliskova is here and that should be enough to carry the defending champions through versus Fichman, Dabrowski, and Abanda. Hradecka and Smitkova are the other Czechs. Where is Bouchard when you really need her? CZE 3 CAN 0
France at Italy: This could be a good one with Errani, Vinci, and Giorgi against Cornet, Garcia, and Mladenovic. What's big here is it is in Italy and on clay, and another turning point could be whether Vinci plays singles, she's hasn't been in great form but she's a Fed Cup stud. This is a tough one to call but I'm going with the home side and the world's top doubles team (though Mladenovic is no slouch). I think they'll find a way to gut out a victory, just don't ask me to pick any of the singles winners. ITA 3 FRA 2
Russia at Poland: With the Olympics around the corner, Sharapova is back interested in Fed Cup as she and Pavlyuchenkova, and Kuznetsova, take on the Radwanska sisters in their hometown of Krakow. Outside of the Australian Open finalist, the Russians are in bad form, so I'm going with the big upset. The court surface in hard court too, so I'll give Aga a fighting chance against Sharapova. POL 3 RUS 1
Australia at Germany: The Germans disappointed in Melbourne but the Aussies didn't exactly light the world on fire either. Stosur is good in Fed Cup outside of Australia but with Dellacqua and Gajdosova behind her I don't think the visitor's can match the depth of Kerber, Petkovic, Lisicki, and Goerges. I'm beginning to second guess myself but I'll still with... GER 3 AUS 1
World Group II
Slovakia at Netherlands: The Dutch are a solid team when it comes to Fed Cup and their home but I think Cibulkova will prove too much, without her I may pick Bertens, Hogenkamp, and Rus to best Rybarikova and Schmiedlova. But Cibulkova is going to be tough to beat and the Slovaks are better to begin with. SVK 3 NED 1
**EDIT: Cibulkova is no longer on the Slovak roster so this becomes an interesting tie and being at home with some Fed Cup upset queens I think the Dutch will get this done, although it's possible it turns into quite a battle. NED 3 SVK 1
Spain at Romania: Muguruza will don a Spanish uniform for the first time, so it's a pity Suarez Navarro won't join her. This tie is not on clay though and that's always important for Spanish team events. But with Muguruza the visitors will have a chance if Halep isn't on her A-game because the supporting cast of Begu, Niculescu, and Dulgheru isn't a formidable of last year's Romanian team with an in-form Cirstea. I don't think Spain has enough firepower here and I think Halep will find a way to bounce back and beat Muguruza. ROU 3 ESP 1
Switzerland at Sweden: Larsson and Arvidsson have been Fed Cup stalwarts for the Swedes but Arvidsson's results have really fallen off as of late and now she's only the 4th-ranked player on her own team. I can't imagine the home team putting up much resistance to Bencic and Bacsinszky. SUI 3 SWE 0
United States at Argentina: I realize Argentina is good at home on clay but this is a team with 3 Australian Open quarterfinalists and two of them are named Williams. The only real question here is who is going to play the singles matches. I pity Ormaechea and Irigoyen. USA 3 ARG 0
(Canada, France, and Poland were promoted from World Group II last year. Slovakia, Spain, and the USA were relegated from World Group I last year. Netherlands and Romania were promoted from Zonal Group I last year.)
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Budapest, Hungary
Group A: Austria, Hungary, Serbia^
Group B: Great Britain, Liechtenstein*, Turkey, Ukraine
Group C: Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia*, Portugal
Group D: Belgium, Croatia, Israel, Latvia
^ Relegated from World Group II in 2014
* Promoted from Zonal Group II in 2014
At first glance, Serbia is the overwhelming favorite in Group A, but they're missing their top 3 players Ivanovic, Jankovic, and Jovanovski, leaving Krunic and some unknowns to battle Mayr-Achleitner's Austrians and Babos' home Hungarians. But Krunic is still the best player in the group and play doubles too so I think the Serbs may advance here, but I won't completely rule out Hungary, playing at home.
Group B likely comes down to the Britain/Ukraine tie and there I like the 1-2 punch of Svitolina and Tsurenko versus Watson and likely Konta since is unavailable.
Azarenka makes her heralded return to Fed Cup alongside decent players Sasnovich and Govortsova and they'll take on Pironkova and her Bulgarians and okay teams in Georgia and Portugal, who have punched above their weight before. Without Azarenka, Bulgaria has a chance but with her the Belorussians should sweep aside the competition.
Group D would be the group of death, to coin the soccer term. Belgium with red-hot Wickmayer, not to mention Flipkens, the young Croats Vekic and Vonjuh, former world no. 11 Peer, and the not to be discounted rising junior star Ostapenko for Latvia. Croatia generally plays well in Fed Cup and Peer generally doesn't, but I think the Belgians will have too much firepower.
Promotion ties: BEL def. SRB, BLR def. UKR (but don't sleep on Ukraine here if this happens)
Relegation ties: AUT def. ISR, GEO def. LIE
Americas Zonal Group I
San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Group A: Brazil, Chile*, Colombia
Group B: Bolivia*, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
With Canada and Argentina now making their home in the World Groups, this is a small group and it's really Brazil's to lose and there's not too much talent here. I keep waiting for Cepede Royg and Gonzalez to boost Paraguay to a playoff spot but I may be waiting forever. Colombia seems to have fallen off with the plateau-ing of Duque Marino and the retirement of Castano, so Pereira should be able to lead the Brazilians past Colombia and then likely Paraguay for another playoff spot.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Guangzhou, China
Group A: Hong Kong*, Japan^, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Group B: China, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Thailand
A couple of uneven groups there. Japan should be able to breeze through Group A while the host Chinese, Kazakhs, and Thais battle it out in Group B. Remember Thailand made the playoffs last year as China, as usual, fell on their faces. China does have their A-team this year though with Peng, Zhang, and S.Zheng while Kazakhstan has the rising Diyas and Putintseva, and the veteran Shvedova. I don't see Thailand factoring in this year as Kumkhum has really fallen off. Something tells me China will choke again and we may finally see the green and gold of the Kazakhs in a playoff with their home-born hero Diyas.
Promotion tie: KAZ def. JPN
Relegation tie: TPE def. KOR
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Tallinn, Estonia
Group A: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Estonia*, South Africa
Group B: Finland, Ireland*, Luxembourg^, Slovenia^
^ Relegated from Zonal Group I in 2014
* Promoted from Zonal Group III in 2014
With Kanepi, Hercog, and Scheepers all in action, I would think two of Estonia, Slovenia, and South Africa will be advancing. The Estonians and South Africans will have the advantage with capable seconds Kontaveit and Simmonds. With the top two teams in each group advancing to the playoff, the second spot comes down to Slovenia vs the loser of Estonia/South Africa. I'll go with EST and SLO advancing.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Czechs Sweep Germans for 3rd Title in 4 Years
The Fed Cup final turned out to be just another coronation for the Czech Republic. Germany's singles players didn't show up on day 1 and then Kerber choked away a 3rd set lead to allow Kvitova to clinch the title for the hosts.
Kvitova and Safarova both won in straight sets and then Kvitova came back from 4-1 down in the 3rd to win the final 5 games of the rubber to give the Czech Republic their 3rd title in 4 years. And I'm not sure the dynasty will end any time soon. Kvitova is a solid #1 singles players, Safarova has emerged to able to beat anyone in this competition and they generally have a world-class doubles team as well. We could be seeing them on top another few times in the near future.
Petra Kvitova (CZE) def. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 6-2 6-4
Lucie Safarova (CZE) def. Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-4 6-4
Kvitova def. Kerber 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4
(Goerges/Lisicki (GER) def. Hlavackova/Hradecka (CZE) 6-4 6-3
Kvitova and Safarova both won in straight sets and then Kvitova came back from 4-1 down in the 3rd to win the final 5 games of the rubber to give the Czech Republic their 3rd title in 4 years. And I'm not sure the dynasty will end any time soon. Kvitova is a solid #1 singles players, Safarova has emerged to able to beat anyone in this competition and they generally have a world-class doubles team as well. We could be seeing them on top another few times in the near future.
Petra Kvitova (CZE) def. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 6-2 6-4
Lucie Safarova (CZE) def. Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-4 6-4
Kvitova def. Kerber 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4
(Goerges/Lisicki (GER) def. Hlavackova/Hradecka (CZE) 6-4 6-3
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Fed Cup Final Preview: Can the Czechs Create a Dynasty?
On Saturday, the Czech Republic will contest its 3rd Fed Cup Final in 4 years. Its opponent is Germany, a relative newcomer, having not played in a final since 1992. Both teams have named fairly deep squads and put their best foot forward, unlike the Russians last fall. Kvitova, Safarova, Pliskova, and Hradecka for the hosts and Kerber, Petkovic, Lisicki, and Goerges for the visitors.
The Czechs have advantages with playing at home and with the top ranked players in the tie, Kvitova. But the Germans may have the most in form player in Petkovic, fresh off a title in Sofia. The key player in this tie may be Safarova. Kvitova will be favored in her two matches but one win from Safarova likely means a Czech victory unless the Germans manage to upset Kvitova. And Safarova will have two challenges against Kerber and Petkovic. Lisicki/Goerges will probably be the favorites if the tie gets to the doubles because the Czechs elected to go with Pliskova, albeit in form but unlikely to play singles instead of Safarova, instead a second doubles player to pair with Hradecka.
I like the Czechs in this tie to win another title. They've been here before, Kvitova is very difficult to beat in this competition, especially indoors, and Safarova has proved capable behind her in the last 2 years. Carving out 3 wins will be uphill sledding for the Germans. I'll give Kvitova 2 wins and Safarova 1.
CZE 3 GER 1
***UPDATE: The Czechs have substituted Hlavackova for Pliskova so they now have a more potent doubles team. Could be a good doubles match if it gets that far.
***UPDATE: The Czechs have substituted Hlavackova for Pliskova so they now have a more potent doubles team. Could be a good doubles match if it gets that far.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Fed Cup Recap: CZE vs GER final set, several blowouts
The 2014 Fed Cup season concluded Sunday, save for the final, and it turned out to be a rather ho-hum weekend, at least as far as Fed Cup weekends generally go. Just two of the ten ties made it to a live 5th rubber and 5 of them were 3-0 sweeps. But an intriguing final matchup was set, a long underperforming nation finally made the World Group II, and a should-be powerhouse was dumped into zonal competition for next year. Here's my recap of the weekend.
World Group Semifinals
CZE 4 ITA 0 - Of all the players coming into this tie in bad form, it was Kvitova who rose to the occasion, winning 2 singles rubbers. Three different Italians were put up in singles, but none won a set. Their one in form player Giorgi was undermatched against Kvitova on day 1. Safarova helped by soundly beating Errani to open the tie. The Czechs will go for their 3rd title in 4 years.
GER 3 AUS 1 - As we feared, the Aussies didn't really show up for this one, at least until the second day. Petkovic upset Stosur in straight sets and then Dellacqua could manage a single game against Kerber. The German #1 returned the next day to come from a set down to beat Stosur with a 2nd set bagel, her second of the weekend. The Germans are through to their first final since 1992, when the event had a different format.
2014 Fed Cup Final: Germany at Czech Republic
World Group I Playoffs
RUS 4 ARG 0 - Russia finally got some of their top players to participate and the result was expected, a romp over Argentina. Makarova and Vesnina didn't drop a set against Ormaechea and Irigoyen, with Makarova getting the two wins. Vesnina even went back out to help Solovyeva win the dead doubles rubber.
CAN 3 SVK 1 - This turned out to be quite closer then the 3-0 score after 3 rubbers would lead you to believe. Wozniak and Bouchard were both extended to 3 sets by Cepelova and Kucova, the former had to save a match point. Bouchard then beat Cepelova in a tight 2 setter to clinch the tie.
FRA 3 USA 2 - The Americans were given life in this tie when Cornet suffered from cramps while leading against Keys in the 2nd rubber after Garcia had destroyed Stephens. Keys came through the leave the tie tied after day 1. Stephens beat sub Razzano and the Americans were suddenly up 2-1. But Garcia almost singlehandedly won the tie for the French, sending down Keys in straights and then immediately teaming with Razzano to beat Stephens/Keys in the live doubles. Garcia is now riding a 7-match win streak.
POL 3 ESP 2 - If the last mentioned was about Garcia, this one was about Radwanska the elder. She won her 2 singles rubber with the loss of 9 total games, then teamed up with Rosolska to beat Medina Garrigues/Soler Esponisa, allowing the Poles to work around two singles losses by Radwanska the younger against Torro-Flor and Soler Espinosa.
World Group II Playoffs
ROU 4 SRB 1 - The tie got off to a bad start, who lost the one match they absolutely HAD to have when a slumping Cirstea beat Ivanovic. Halep put the hosts up 2-0 and things looked over. Ivanovic did upset Halep to keep the tie alive, but that only set up Cirstea's clinching win over Jovanovski, 6-3 in the 3rd.
NED 3 JPN 2 - Perhaps the most competitive tie of the weekend, though it didn't even go live to the 5th rubber. Nara gave the visitors a good start with a win over Rus, but that was cancelled by Bertens beating Doi. Likely the rubber of the weekend went to Bertens, 9-7 in the 3rd and the Dutch were in the lead. Rus then beat Doi to seal the deal.
SWE 4 THA 0 - Arvidsson and Larsson beat up on Kumkhum and Lertcheewakarn without losing a set, Larsson winning 2 live rubbers.
SUI 4 BRA 1 - This didn't turn out be the Bencic show as we thought it might but instead Bacsinszky stole the spotlight. She upset Pereira on day 1 as Bencic dismissed Goncalves to put the visitors up 2-0. But Bencic couldn't close a sweep as Pereira beat her in straight sets. However, Bacsinszky bailed her out by clinching over Goncalves, and then Bencic got the bad taste out of her mouth by winning the dead doubles.
2015 World Groups:
Group I: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia
-Stayed in group by advancing in the quarterfinals: AUS, CZE, GER, ITA
-Stayed in group by winning playoffs: RUS
-Promoted from World Group II (last appearance in Group I): CAN (1994), FRA (2011), POL (1994)
Group II: Argentina, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States
-Stayed in group by losing Group I playoffs: ARG
-Stayed in group by winning Group II playoffs: SWE, SUI
-Relegated from World Group I (last appearance in Group II): ESP (2013), SVK (2012), USA (2012)
-Promoted from zones (last appearance in Group II): NED (1999), ROU (1992)
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Pool A: FIN, LIE, LTU, MNE
Liechtenstein behind Vogt and a surprising Finnish team advanced from the pool as Montenegro played without Kovinic.
Pool B: BIH, EGY, GEO, RSA
Georgia got excellent play from Shapatava while South Africa poor play from Simmonds and Bosnia beat them.
Promotion ties: LIE def. BIH, GEO def. FIN
-Georgia returns to Group I after a one year absence while Liechtenstein advances to Group I for the first time ever.
Relegation ties: RSA def. MNE, EGY def. LTU
-Lithuania spent 2 years in Group II and now they return to Group III. Montenegro last played there in 2011.
World Group Semifinals
CZE 4 ITA 0 - Of all the players coming into this tie in bad form, it was Kvitova who rose to the occasion, winning 2 singles rubbers. Three different Italians were put up in singles, but none won a set. Their one in form player Giorgi was undermatched against Kvitova on day 1. Safarova helped by soundly beating Errani to open the tie. The Czechs will go for their 3rd title in 4 years.
GER 3 AUS 1 - As we feared, the Aussies didn't really show up for this one, at least until the second day. Petkovic upset Stosur in straight sets and then Dellacqua could manage a single game against Kerber. The German #1 returned the next day to come from a set down to beat Stosur with a 2nd set bagel, her second of the weekend. The Germans are through to their first final since 1992, when the event had a different format.
2014 Fed Cup Final: Germany at Czech Republic
World Group I Playoffs
RUS 4 ARG 0 - Russia finally got some of their top players to participate and the result was expected, a romp over Argentina. Makarova and Vesnina didn't drop a set against Ormaechea and Irigoyen, with Makarova getting the two wins. Vesnina even went back out to help Solovyeva win the dead doubles rubber.
CAN 3 SVK 1 - This turned out to be quite closer then the 3-0 score after 3 rubbers would lead you to believe. Wozniak and Bouchard were both extended to 3 sets by Cepelova and Kucova, the former had to save a match point. Bouchard then beat Cepelova in a tight 2 setter to clinch the tie.
FRA 3 USA 2 - The Americans were given life in this tie when Cornet suffered from cramps while leading against Keys in the 2nd rubber after Garcia had destroyed Stephens. Keys came through the leave the tie tied after day 1. Stephens beat sub Razzano and the Americans were suddenly up 2-1. But Garcia almost singlehandedly won the tie for the French, sending down Keys in straights and then immediately teaming with Razzano to beat Stephens/Keys in the live doubles. Garcia is now riding a 7-match win streak.
POL 3 ESP 2 - If the last mentioned was about Garcia, this one was about Radwanska the elder. She won her 2 singles rubber with the loss of 9 total games, then teamed up with Rosolska to beat Medina Garrigues/Soler Esponisa, allowing the Poles to work around two singles losses by Radwanska the younger against Torro-Flor and Soler Espinosa.
World Group II Playoffs
ROU 4 SRB 1 - The tie got off to a bad start, who lost the one match they absolutely HAD to have when a slumping Cirstea beat Ivanovic. Halep put the hosts up 2-0 and things looked over. Ivanovic did upset Halep to keep the tie alive, but that only set up Cirstea's clinching win over Jovanovski, 6-3 in the 3rd.
NED 3 JPN 2 - Perhaps the most competitive tie of the weekend, though it didn't even go live to the 5th rubber. Nara gave the visitors a good start with a win over Rus, but that was cancelled by Bertens beating Doi. Likely the rubber of the weekend went to Bertens, 9-7 in the 3rd and the Dutch were in the lead. Rus then beat Doi to seal the deal.
SWE 4 THA 0 - Arvidsson and Larsson beat up on Kumkhum and Lertcheewakarn without losing a set, Larsson winning 2 live rubbers.
SUI 4 BRA 1 - This didn't turn out be the Bencic show as we thought it might but instead Bacsinszky stole the spotlight. She upset Pereira on day 1 as Bencic dismissed Goncalves to put the visitors up 2-0. But Bencic couldn't close a sweep as Pereira beat her in straight sets. However, Bacsinszky bailed her out by clinching over Goncalves, and then Bencic got the bad taste out of her mouth by winning the dead doubles.
2015 World Groups:
Group I: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia
-Stayed in group by advancing in the quarterfinals: AUS, CZE, GER, ITA
-Stayed in group by winning playoffs: RUS
-Promoted from World Group II (last appearance in Group I): CAN (1994), FRA (2011), POL (1994)
Group II: Argentina, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States
-Stayed in group by losing Group I playoffs: ARG
-Stayed in group by winning Group II playoffs: SWE, SUI
-Relegated from World Group I (last appearance in Group II): ESP (2013), SVK (2012), USA (2012)
-Promoted from zones (last appearance in Group II): NED (1999), ROU (1992)
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Pool A: FIN, LIE, LTU, MNE
Liechtenstein behind Vogt and a surprising Finnish team advanced from the pool as Montenegro played without Kovinic.
Pool B: BIH, EGY, GEO, RSA
Georgia got excellent play from Shapatava while South Africa poor play from Simmonds and Bosnia beat them.
Promotion ties: LIE def. BIH, GEO def. FIN
-Georgia returns to Group I after a one year absence while Liechtenstein advances to Group I for the first time ever.
Relegation ties: RSA def. MNE, EGY def. LTU
-Lithuania spent 2 years in Group II and now they return to Group III. Montenegro last played there in 2011.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Fed Cup Preview
Another big weekend of Fed Cup is ahead of us and the task now begins of trying to figure who is exactly going to show up at various points around the world from St Louis and Quebec City all the way to Brisbane. There are 10 ties involving World Group nations or those hoping to qualify plus some zonal pool play.
World Group I Semifinals
Italy at Czech Republic: These countries seemingly always meet at this stage of Fed Cup with the winner going on to win the cup. At least that's happened 4 of the 5 years. However, none of the players enter with much of a hot streak since Pennetta is sitting this one out with a wrist injury. Kvitova and Safarova versus Errani and Vinci with Koukalova and Giorgi perhaps coming off the bench since they are both in good form. With the awful play of the Italians in 2014 it is hard to imagine them winning on the road. The wild card is Giorgi here who just reached the final in Katowice. If it would happen to go to the doubles, I like the Italians' chances but I don't think Kvitova and Safarova (who has played well in Fed Cup recently) will give them that opportunity. CZE 3 ITA 1
Germany at Australia: And here are 2 nations who often have underachieved in Fed Cup and despite being on the other side of the world from the next tour stops, both sides have managed a top rate squad, though Lisicki is not here. Kerber and Petkovic (who won recently in Charleston) challenge Stosur and Dellacqua. The question here is how Stosur will handle the pressure of playing at home. With the resurgence of Petkovic, the Germans will be tough to beat despite the recent rise of Dellacqua. I like the Germans because they're the better players at this point and the Aussies have often folded at home. If it gets to the doubles, Germany will have Goerges/Groenefeld against either Barty/Dellacqua or someone with Stosur. GER 3 AUS 1
World Group I Playoffs
Argentina at Russia: The Russian federation has finally pulled enough strings to get at least Makarova and Vesnina to show up for a tie so they'll be heavy favorites against Ormaechea and Irigoyen, who are tough outs at the Parque Roca, but will be on the road this time. And if the Argentines do manage to push it to doubles, they'll be reminded that Makarova/Vesnina are a fine team on tour. Ormaechea will pick off one but Russia prevails to stay in the top group. RUS 3 ARG 1
Slovakia at Canada: Maybe it's having to travel to the Western Hemisphere but a team that almost always has Cibulkova and Hantuchova ready to go will be doing without them for once. But that doesn't mean Canada and Bouchard has a easy victory. The Slovaks will be deeper with Rybarikova and Cepelova while I imagine it will be Wozniak playing 2nd to Bouchard. This could be a dogfight, but I think Bouchard will come through and get her 2 points and then the home side will win the doubles too. But I won't count out Slovakia. CAN 3 SVK 2
France at United States: The Williams sisters are absent, leaving a bunch of mostly out of form players in Stephens, Keys, Lepchenko, and McHale. France, on the other hand, is red hot, with Cornet and Garcia both winning titles last week. The USA has gotten good play from youngsters in the past in Fed Cup but that was a few years ago, and I think the French will too good. That said, Stephens and Keys have shown the talent, just not recently. I think it will end in another American Fed Cup disaster. FRA 3 USA 0
Poland at Spain: Once again, it's about who's not there. And that's Suarez Navarro and Muguruza for Spain, who instead have Torro-Flor, Soler Espinosa, Cabeza Candela, and Medina Garrigues to battle the Radwanska sisters plus Rosolska as the secret weapon in doubles. Spain often wins at home on their beloved clay against superior opponents, but this time there's a top 5 player on the other side of the net. I'm not going to bet against Radwanska, but it may need to go to the doubles if Urszula can't get a win. POL 3 ESP 2
World Group II Playoffs
Serbia at Romania: The young Romanians are finally into the World Group II playoffs and have a home tie but it will be a tough tie with Ivanovic, Jovanovski, and a red hot Jaksic standing in their way. Halep and Cirstea aren't in the best of form though they'll have Begu/Niculescu for doubles, a team that served them well in zonal play. I don't know that Cirstea can muster a win so it may come down Halep vs Ivanovic in 3rd rubber to decide the tie. Ivanovic is often a Fed Cup choker so I'll take the home team. ROU 3 SRB 2
Japan at Netherlands: The Dutch were the surprise of zonal competition and Bertens, Rus, and Hogenkamp are back to see they can gain promotion. Japan is missing some key cogs so it will be Nara, Doi, and Ozaki to counter. After seeing what the Dutch did in Hungary, I'm not picking against them. NED 3 JPN 0
Thailand at Sweden: Just to be here is an accomplishment for Kumkhum and her teammates. They've got to go on the road to Sweden to face the formidable tandem of Arvidsson and Larsson. I like the host country in this one. SWE 3 THA 1
Switzerland at Brazil: Unlike Thailand, underdog Brazil gets a home tie but arguably has a worse team behind Pereira. The Swiss are young too but Bencic is a prodigy so I give her 2 singles wins. Ties is far flung corners of the tennis universe are often difficult to predict, but I'm going to with Bacsinszky or Golubic clinching the tie for the visitors over Pigossi or Goncalves. SUI 3 BRA 1
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Siauliai, Lithuania
Pool A: Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro
Pool B: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, South Africa
The names of note here are Vogt (LIE), Simmonds and Grandin (RSA), Shapatava (GEO) - fresh off a main draw win in Bogota. Kovinic (MNE) is listed but she's playing in Kuala Lumpur right now.
Two teams will be promoted and my initial instinct is to take both GEO and RSA out of Pool B with Kovinic not in play. But I wouldn't count out the home team LTU or even Vogt's LIE. For relegation it's tough to say with knowing very little about these players.
-Bosnia and Georgia were relegated from Group I last year. Montenegro and Lithuania were losers in the group finals. Finland and South Africa survived relegation matches. Egypt and Liechtenstein were promoted from Group III last year.
Americas Zonal Group II
Humacao, Puerto Rico
This actually happened last week and I got my dates crossed up.
Pool A: Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama
Pool B: Barbados, Chile, Puerto Rico
Pool C: Bermuda, Bolivia, Peru
Pool D: Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay
BOL def. DOM, CHI def. CRC
Puig was about the only player of note in this whole group and Puerto Rico was at home but somehow lost the deciding doubles match to Chile in pool play, so they'll have to wait another year to try for promotion.
Chile makes an immediate return to Group I while Peru was relegated last year also but lost to Bolivia in their pool. Bolivia is promoted in their stead, they were relegated 2 years ago.
I shall return likely next Monday to recent the events of the weekend.
World Group I Semifinals
Italy at Czech Republic: These countries seemingly always meet at this stage of Fed Cup with the winner going on to win the cup. At least that's happened 4 of the 5 years. However, none of the players enter with much of a hot streak since Pennetta is sitting this one out with a wrist injury. Kvitova and Safarova versus Errani and Vinci with Koukalova and Giorgi perhaps coming off the bench since they are both in good form. With the awful play of the Italians in 2014 it is hard to imagine them winning on the road. The wild card is Giorgi here who just reached the final in Katowice. If it would happen to go to the doubles, I like the Italians' chances but I don't think Kvitova and Safarova (who has played well in Fed Cup recently) will give them that opportunity. CZE 3 ITA 1
Germany at Australia: And here are 2 nations who often have underachieved in Fed Cup and despite being on the other side of the world from the next tour stops, both sides have managed a top rate squad, though Lisicki is not here. Kerber and Petkovic (who won recently in Charleston) challenge Stosur and Dellacqua. The question here is how Stosur will handle the pressure of playing at home. With the resurgence of Petkovic, the Germans will be tough to beat despite the recent rise of Dellacqua. I like the Germans because they're the better players at this point and the Aussies have often folded at home. If it gets to the doubles, Germany will have Goerges/Groenefeld against either Barty/Dellacqua or someone with Stosur. GER 3 AUS 1
World Group I Playoffs
Argentina at Russia: The Russian federation has finally pulled enough strings to get at least Makarova and Vesnina to show up for a tie so they'll be heavy favorites against Ormaechea and Irigoyen, who are tough outs at the Parque Roca, but will be on the road this time. And if the Argentines do manage to push it to doubles, they'll be reminded that Makarova/Vesnina are a fine team on tour. Ormaechea will pick off one but Russia prevails to stay in the top group. RUS 3 ARG 1
Slovakia at Canada: Maybe it's having to travel to the Western Hemisphere but a team that almost always has Cibulkova and Hantuchova ready to go will be doing without them for once. But that doesn't mean Canada and Bouchard has a easy victory. The Slovaks will be deeper with Rybarikova and Cepelova while I imagine it will be Wozniak playing 2nd to Bouchard. This could be a dogfight, but I think Bouchard will come through and get her 2 points and then the home side will win the doubles too. But I won't count out Slovakia. CAN 3 SVK 2
France at United States: The Williams sisters are absent, leaving a bunch of mostly out of form players in Stephens, Keys, Lepchenko, and McHale. France, on the other hand, is red hot, with Cornet and Garcia both winning titles last week. The USA has gotten good play from youngsters in the past in Fed Cup but that was a few years ago, and I think the French will too good. That said, Stephens and Keys have shown the talent, just not recently. I think it will end in another American Fed Cup disaster. FRA 3 USA 0
Poland at Spain: Once again, it's about who's not there. And that's Suarez Navarro and Muguruza for Spain, who instead have Torro-Flor, Soler Espinosa, Cabeza Candela, and Medina Garrigues to battle the Radwanska sisters plus Rosolska as the secret weapon in doubles. Spain often wins at home on their beloved clay against superior opponents, but this time there's a top 5 player on the other side of the net. I'm not going to bet against Radwanska, but it may need to go to the doubles if Urszula can't get a win. POL 3 ESP 2
World Group II Playoffs
Serbia at Romania: The young Romanians are finally into the World Group II playoffs and have a home tie but it will be a tough tie with Ivanovic, Jovanovski, and a red hot Jaksic standing in their way. Halep and Cirstea aren't in the best of form though they'll have Begu/Niculescu for doubles, a team that served them well in zonal play. I don't know that Cirstea can muster a win so it may come down Halep vs Ivanovic in 3rd rubber to decide the tie. Ivanovic is often a Fed Cup choker so I'll take the home team. ROU 3 SRB 2
Japan at Netherlands: The Dutch were the surprise of zonal competition and Bertens, Rus, and Hogenkamp are back to see they can gain promotion. Japan is missing some key cogs so it will be Nara, Doi, and Ozaki to counter. After seeing what the Dutch did in Hungary, I'm not picking against them. NED 3 JPN 0
Thailand at Sweden: Just to be here is an accomplishment for Kumkhum and her teammates. They've got to go on the road to Sweden to face the formidable tandem of Arvidsson and Larsson. I like the host country in this one. SWE 3 THA 1
Switzerland at Brazil: Unlike Thailand, underdog Brazil gets a home tie but arguably has a worse team behind Pereira. The Swiss are young too but Bencic is a prodigy so I give her 2 singles wins. Ties is far flung corners of the tennis universe are often difficult to predict, but I'm going to with Bacsinszky or Golubic clinching the tie for the visitors over Pigossi or Goncalves. SUI 3 BRA 1
Europe/Africa Zonal Group II
Siauliai, Lithuania
Pool A: Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro
Pool B: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, South Africa
The names of note here are Vogt (LIE), Simmonds and Grandin (RSA), Shapatava (GEO) - fresh off a main draw win in Bogota. Kovinic (MNE) is listed but she's playing in Kuala Lumpur right now.
Two teams will be promoted and my initial instinct is to take both GEO and RSA out of Pool B with Kovinic not in play. But I wouldn't count out the home team LTU or even Vogt's LIE. For relegation it's tough to say with knowing very little about these players.
-Bosnia and Georgia were relegated from Group I last year. Montenegro and Lithuania were losers in the group finals. Finland and South Africa survived relegation matches. Egypt and Liechtenstein were promoted from Group III last year.
Americas Zonal Group II
Humacao, Puerto Rico
This actually happened last week and I got my dates crossed up.
Pool A: Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama
Pool B: Barbados, Chile, Puerto Rico
Pool C: Bermuda, Bolivia, Peru
Pool D: Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay
BOL def. DOM, CHI def. CRC
Puig was about the only player of note in this whole group and Puerto Rico was at home but somehow lost the deciding doubles match to Chile in pool play, so they'll have to wait another year to try for promotion.
Chile makes an immediate return to Group I while Peru was relegated last year also but lost to Bolivia in their pool. Bolivia is promoted in their stead, they were relegated 2 years ago.
I shall return likely next Monday to recent the events of the weekend.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Fed Cup Recap: So Much For That Idea
Where did I possibly get the idea that this was going to be a competitive and tightly contested weekend of world groups ties in the Fed Cup? We did get 3 live doubles rubbers but we had 5 sweeps. Partly due to the lack of participation from top players, one of the Fed Cup semis will have a different feel this year. Generally we see Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, and one imposter in the semis but Russia has been eliminated and the two others will play in the semis. So now we'll see under performers like Australia and Germany in the mix.
I hate to keep bringing lack of participation, but after I posted my preview from the names on the Fed Cup website, a number of competitors withdrew or failed to show up for the competition, so my predictions are off in those cases. Here's a few of the names: Kvitova, Jovanovski, Wozniacki, Flipkens, Pironkova, Robson, Hercog, Minella, Daniilidou, etc.
So now from those who failed to show to those who did:
World Group I
ITA 3 USA 1 - The American Fed Cup team takes over from where the Davis Cup left off. McHale put up a good fight against Knapp but then Keys laid an egg against Giorgi, winning only 3 games. Riske came off the bench for Keys and played better but still lost to Knapp. Even without their 4 stalwarts, Italy makes the semis, showing increasing depth in that country. The USA now has all kinds of question marks going forward, on tour and in Fed Cup.
CZE 3 ESP 2 - This tie had issues with weather and had to have 3.5 rubbers completed on Monday. Suarez Navarro took both her singles matches but couldn't win the doubles with Soler Espinosa. Zakopalova beat Torro-Flor in the suspended match and the extra day allowed Safarova to come the bench after having been sick to beat Soler Espinosa to send the tie to the doubles. The Czechs again proved their doubles prowess with Hlavackova/Zahlavova Strycova sending the visitors back to the semis.
GER 3 SVK 1 - At least these were good matches. Petkovic saved a match point and come back to prevail against Cibulkova. Kerber then took care of Hantuchova and clinched over Cibulkova without dropping a set while winning 2 tiebreaks. The Germans finally break through, making the semis for the first time since 1995 and winning a World Group I tie for the first time since 2002 (there were 16 teams in a single group then).
AUS 4 RUS 0 - We knew this was going to happen. I'll leave it to you to determine if the 11 games won by the Russians in the 3 live rubbers was what was expected. Dellacqua dropping only 2 games to Khromacheva tells us her form from the Aussie Open carried over.
World Group II
CAN 3 SRB 0 - Jovanovski didn't show so any slight chance Serbia had evaporated. Wozniak outlasted Dolonc in 3 sets to set up the rising star Bouchard. The Canadian no. 1 would drop just 4 games in 4 sets against Jaksic and Dolonc.
POL 3 SWE 2 - Radwanska the hero, did pretty much all the lifting here, winning all 3 points. She lost just 7 games to Arvidsson and Larsson to put Poland up 2-1. The problem was Piter won only 6 games against said Swedes. But Radwanska was equally good in the doubles with Rosolska, a specialist. The Poles beat the Swedes 6-2 6-2 and the world no. 5 will play for a spot in the competition's top tier in April.
FRA 3 SUI 2 - Swiss teen Bencic, certainly a rising star, tried to pull a Radwanska but came up short in the doubles. She beat Cornet and Razzano but those two Frenchwomen beat Bacsinszky and Voegele and tie came down to the doubles after all the singles matches were straight sets affairs. There the French had their secret weapon Mladenovic (2 mixed doubles major titles in the last year) waiting with Cornet to beat Bacsinszky/Bencic 7-5 6-4.
ARG 3 JPN 1 - I said Argentina was a tough out at home and indeed they were. Both matches on day 1 were 3 sets but both ended well for hosts with Irigoyen defeating Nara is match over 3.5 hrs and Ormaechea trumping Doi. Ormaechea then clinched over Nara to open proceedings Sunday.
World Group Semis: Italy at Czech Republic, Germany at Australia
World Group I Playoff Participants: Argentina, Canada, France, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
World Group II Playoff Participants: Brazil, Japan, Netherlands, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand
-Australia is their first semi since 1993 and it has been since 1995 for Germany. The Czechs and Italians are perennial semifinalists, this will be the 6th straight year for both.
-Russia loses a first round match and thus competes in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
-United States, France, Slovakia, Spain, Japan, Serbia, Sweden, and Switzerland have been in and out of these World Group playoff ties several times over the past years.
-Argentina, Canada, and Poland haven't been playing for a spot in World Group I for many years. It was 2009 for Argentina (they were actually bumped down from World Group I that year) but it has been since 2004 for Canada and all the way back to 1993 for Poland. But back then there was only one World Group.
-Of the countries vying for spots in World Group II out of the zones, Brazil hasn't made the playoffs since 2004, Thailand was relegated from World Group II in 2006, Romania hasn't made the playoffs since 1999, and the Netherlands was last there in 2002. So each of these zonal teams making the playoffs is a big story.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
The unexpected stars of this show was the Netherlands, who got things off to a good start with Bertens and Hogenkamp stunning Wickmayer and Mestach. Things only got better for them as they cruised through the group without losing a rubber. Romania had some bumps and bruises along the way with Halep losing to Babos on the first day of the competition and Cirstea being beaten by Watson in their second tie. But Begu/Niculescu would clean up each mess in the doubles and Romania progressed. Ukraine was not pushed on the first two days of the competition but found themselves in a doubles rubber against Austria for a place in the final. L.Kichenok/Savchuk came through over Klemenschits/Mayr-Achleitner. Svitolina was fantastic throughout the week. And in the wide open pool D, Belarus showed it was more than an Azarenka show as they only dropped one dead doubles rubber during pool play, thanks to the play of Govortsova and Sasnovich.
In the group final though, it was the Dutch and Romanians prevailing over the Ukrainians and Belorussians, neither tie needing to play the doubles.
Luxembourg, playing without Minella, and Slovenia, playing with Hercog, were relegated, falling to Bulgaria and Latvia in the relegation ties. Luxembourg was the only country to not win a single rubber. They last were down in Group II in 2010 but Slovenia, who was in World Group II as recently as 2012, has never been there before.
Americas Zonal Group I
Venezuela gave Paraguay a bit of a run in pool A behind the play of Paz but it was Gonzalez and Cepede Royg who got it done for the hosts to advance to the group final. Brazil, however, would be a bridge to far. Behind Pereira and Goncalves they didn't lose a rubber all week, shutting out Colombia's Duque Marino and Castano in the pivotal rubber. Brazil advanced to the World Group Playoffs.
On the bad side, the Bahamas and Ecuador lost the relegation ties to Mexico and Venezuela. Both those countries (BAH/ECU) were promoted from Group II just last year.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Talk about unexpected happenings in Kazakhstan, and the surprises came from the beginning when China dropped their opening tie to Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, even playing without Amanmuradova, would go on to win the pool. In the other pool, the Thais stunned the host Kazakhs with Kumkhum defeating Shvedova in 3 sets and then teaming with Tanasugarn to win the doubles over Shvedova/Voskoboeva. Kumkhum's 1-2 punch in singles and doubles would again be decisive against the Uzbeks and Thailand qualifies for the World Group II playoffs.
Indonesia was relegated to Group II, dropping the relegation tie to Taiwan. They make an immediate return to that level and seem to be alternating between Groups I and II each year.
So look at the list of countries qualifying for the World Group II playoffs from the zones: Romania, Netherlands, Brazil, Thailand. One of these in not like the others, so the draw looms critical for countries such as Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Surprises continue in Kazakhstan. India got great play from 19-yr-old no. 404 Thombare and India beat New Zealand, Mirza/Thombare defeating Erakovic/Guthrie in the doubles. But Mirza didn't doubles in the group semis against Hong Kong and the Indians lost. So Hong Kong defeated Philippines (def. Turkmenistan in the semis) in the group final and is promoted to Group I. Both New Zealand and India remain in Group II.
Hong Kong, who lost to the group final the last 3 years, finally returns to Group I, where they last competed in 2008.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group III
So Wozniacki didn't show up after all, and neither did Daniilidou, which left proceedings simply a formality for Kanepi, Kontaveit, and Estonia. The pair combined to drop only 7 games in 6 singles rubbers, including 2 double bagels in ties against Armenia, Namibia, and Denmark. But there was a second team to be promoted to Group II. Greece, even without their top player, managed to get out of their pool, but then stumbled to the Irish in the promotion tie.
Estonia makes an immediate return to Group II but Ireland hasn't played there since 2008.
I hate to keep bringing lack of participation, but after I posted my preview from the names on the Fed Cup website, a number of competitors withdrew or failed to show up for the competition, so my predictions are off in those cases. Here's a few of the names: Kvitova, Jovanovski, Wozniacki, Flipkens, Pironkova, Robson, Hercog, Minella, Daniilidou, etc.
So now from those who failed to show to those who did:
World Group I
ITA 3 USA 1 - The American Fed Cup team takes over from where the Davis Cup left off. McHale put up a good fight against Knapp but then Keys laid an egg against Giorgi, winning only 3 games. Riske came off the bench for Keys and played better but still lost to Knapp. Even without their 4 stalwarts, Italy makes the semis, showing increasing depth in that country. The USA now has all kinds of question marks going forward, on tour and in Fed Cup.
CZE 3 ESP 2 - This tie had issues with weather and had to have 3.5 rubbers completed on Monday. Suarez Navarro took both her singles matches but couldn't win the doubles with Soler Espinosa. Zakopalova beat Torro-Flor in the suspended match and the extra day allowed Safarova to come the bench after having been sick to beat Soler Espinosa to send the tie to the doubles. The Czechs again proved their doubles prowess with Hlavackova/Zahlavova Strycova sending the visitors back to the semis.
GER 3 SVK 1 - At least these were good matches. Petkovic saved a match point and come back to prevail against Cibulkova. Kerber then took care of Hantuchova and clinched over Cibulkova without dropping a set while winning 2 tiebreaks. The Germans finally break through, making the semis for the first time since 1995 and winning a World Group I tie for the first time since 2002 (there were 16 teams in a single group then).
AUS 4 RUS 0 - We knew this was going to happen. I'll leave it to you to determine if the 11 games won by the Russians in the 3 live rubbers was what was expected. Dellacqua dropping only 2 games to Khromacheva tells us her form from the Aussie Open carried over.
World Group II
CAN 3 SRB 0 - Jovanovski didn't show so any slight chance Serbia had evaporated. Wozniak outlasted Dolonc in 3 sets to set up the rising star Bouchard. The Canadian no. 1 would drop just 4 games in 4 sets against Jaksic and Dolonc.
POL 3 SWE 2 - Radwanska the hero, did pretty much all the lifting here, winning all 3 points. She lost just 7 games to Arvidsson and Larsson to put Poland up 2-1. The problem was Piter won only 6 games against said Swedes. But Radwanska was equally good in the doubles with Rosolska, a specialist. The Poles beat the Swedes 6-2 6-2 and the world no. 5 will play for a spot in the competition's top tier in April.
FRA 3 SUI 2 - Swiss teen Bencic, certainly a rising star, tried to pull a Radwanska but came up short in the doubles. She beat Cornet and Razzano but those two Frenchwomen beat Bacsinszky and Voegele and tie came down to the doubles after all the singles matches were straight sets affairs. There the French had their secret weapon Mladenovic (2 mixed doubles major titles in the last year) waiting with Cornet to beat Bacsinszky/Bencic 7-5 6-4.
ARG 3 JPN 1 - I said Argentina was a tough out at home and indeed they were. Both matches on day 1 were 3 sets but both ended well for hosts with Irigoyen defeating Nara is match over 3.5 hrs and Ormaechea trumping Doi. Ormaechea then clinched over Nara to open proceedings Sunday.
World Group Semis: Italy at Czech Republic, Germany at Australia
World Group I Playoff Participants: Argentina, Canada, France, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
World Group II Playoff Participants: Brazil, Japan, Netherlands, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand
-Australia is their first semi since 1993 and it has been since 1995 for Germany. The Czechs and Italians are perennial semifinalists, this will be the 6th straight year for both.
-Russia loses a first round match and thus competes in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
-United States, France, Slovakia, Spain, Japan, Serbia, Sweden, and Switzerland have been in and out of these World Group playoff ties several times over the past years.
-Argentina, Canada, and Poland haven't been playing for a spot in World Group I for many years. It was 2009 for Argentina (they were actually bumped down from World Group I that year) but it has been since 2004 for Canada and all the way back to 1993 for Poland. But back then there was only one World Group.
-Of the countries vying for spots in World Group II out of the zones, Brazil hasn't made the playoffs since 2004, Thailand was relegated from World Group II in 2006, Romania hasn't made the playoffs since 1999, and the Netherlands was last there in 2002. So each of these zonal teams making the playoffs is a big story.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
The unexpected stars of this show was the Netherlands, who got things off to a good start with Bertens and Hogenkamp stunning Wickmayer and Mestach. Things only got better for them as they cruised through the group without losing a rubber. Romania had some bumps and bruises along the way with Halep losing to Babos on the first day of the competition and Cirstea being beaten by Watson in their second tie. But Begu/Niculescu would clean up each mess in the doubles and Romania progressed. Ukraine was not pushed on the first two days of the competition but found themselves in a doubles rubber against Austria for a place in the final. L.Kichenok/Savchuk came through over Klemenschits/Mayr-Achleitner. Svitolina was fantastic throughout the week. And in the wide open pool D, Belarus showed it was more than an Azarenka show as they only dropped one dead doubles rubber during pool play, thanks to the play of Govortsova and Sasnovich.
In the group final though, it was the Dutch and Romanians prevailing over the Ukrainians and Belorussians, neither tie needing to play the doubles.
Luxembourg, playing without Minella, and Slovenia, playing with Hercog, were relegated, falling to Bulgaria and Latvia in the relegation ties. Luxembourg was the only country to not win a single rubber. They last were down in Group II in 2010 but Slovenia, who was in World Group II as recently as 2012, has never been there before.
Americas Zonal Group I
Venezuela gave Paraguay a bit of a run in pool A behind the play of Paz but it was Gonzalez and Cepede Royg who got it done for the hosts to advance to the group final. Brazil, however, would be a bridge to far. Behind Pereira and Goncalves they didn't lose a rubber all week, shutting out Colombia's Duque Marino and Castano in the pivotal rubber. Brazil advanced to the World Group Playoffs.
On the bad side, the Bahamas and Ecuador lost the relegation ties to Mexico and Venezuela. Both those countries (BAH/ECU) were promoted from Group II just last year.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Talk about unexpected happenings in Kazakhstan, and the surprises came from the beginning when China dropped their opening tie to Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, even playing without Amanmuradova, would go on to win the pool. In the other pool, the Thais stunned the host Kazakhs with Kumkhum defeating Shvedova in 3 sets and then teaming with Tanasugarn to win the doubles over Shvedova/Voskoboeva. Kumkhum's 1-2 punch in singles and doubles would again be decisive against the Uzbeks and Thailand qualifies for the World Group II playoffs.
Indonesia was relegated to Group II, dropping the relegation tie to Taiwan. They make an immediate return to that level and seem to be alternating between Groups I and II each year.
So look at the list of countries qualifying for the World Group II playoffs from the zones: Romania, Netherlands, Brazil, Thailand. One of these in not like the others, so the draw looms critical for countries such as Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Surprises continue in Kazakhstan. India got great play from 19-yr-old no. 404 Thombare and India beat New Zealand, Mirza/Thombare defeating Erakovic/Guthrie in the doubles. But Mirza didn't doubles in the group semis against Hong Kong and the Indians lost. So Hong Kong defeated Philippines (def. Turkmenistan in the semis) in the group final and is promoted to Group I. Both New Zealand and India remain in Group II.
Hong Kong, who lost to the group final the last 3 years, finally returns to Group I, where they last competed in 2008.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group III
So Wozniacki didn't show up after all, and neither did Daniilidou, which left proceedings simply a formality for Kanepi, Kontaveit, and Estonia. The pair combined to drop only 7 games in 6 singles rubbers, including 2 double bagels in ties against Armenia, Namibia, and Denmark. But there was a second team to be promoted to Group II. Greece, even without their top player, managed to get out of their pool, but then stumbled to the Irish in the promotion tie.
Estonia makes an immediate return to Group II but Ireland hasn't played there since 2008.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Fed Cup Preview
And so we turn our attention from the men to the women, from Davis Cup to Fed Cup. With the two world groups in Fed Cup, you get more opportunities for the top teams to battle early in the season, and that is certainly the case this year. There are several matchups that are difficult to predict and also a few teams playing without top players, which is always the wildcard in Fed Cup seemingly more so than in Davis Cup.
World Group I
Italy at United States - This is a battle of the B teams as Serena, Stephens, Venus, Errani, Vinci, Pennetta, and Schiavone are all out. So it leaves Keys, Riske, McHale, and Davis to battle Giorgi, Knapp, Burnett, and Matteucci. Because of the inexperience of these players, this tie is tough to call, especially as several of the women come in with good form, particularly Riske and Knapp. But I've got to with the Americans as they are at home and probably have the better talent, especially in Keys. They also have the most experienced Fed Cup player in McHale. That said, an Italian win wouldn't shock me in the slightest. USA 3 ITA 1
Czech Republic at Spain - The Spanish women, like their male counterparts are tough outs at home and Suarez Navarro is playing well. Kvitova is not and has been sick, and the Czechs aren't bringing their usual amazing doubles team. But Spain doesn't have a lot of in form depth behind Suarez, so this is another tie that goes either way. Safarova and Zakopalova are hit and miss and if Kvitova isn't amazing this could be tough. I think Spain pulls an ambush. ESP 3 CZE 1
Germany at Slovakia - This may be the tie of the weekend with Kerber, Lisicki, and Petkovic heading indoors to play the losing Aussie Open finalist and a resurgent Hantuchova. The Germans don't always play best in Fed Cup and they haven't exactly been lighting up the tour recently anyway so if Cibulkova has anything left after Australia I think they get this done. SVK 3 GER 1
Russia at Australia - So we have the up and coming Russians playing at Australia, where the Aussies tend to struggle. This may be the chance Stosur, Dellacqua, and Barty have to get the monkey off their back as Russia is playing with Kan, Khromacheva, Solovyeva, and Kudermetova. That might be a good lineup 5 years from now, but the Aussies are in form and I don't think they let this slip away. AUS 3 RUS 0
At least one of these ties is bound to go to the doubles, but I'll stick with my 3-1 picks.
Six of these countries were in World Group I last year. The newcomers are Germany and Spain, who rejoin after only one year down in World Group II.
World Group II
Serbia at Canada - Serbia is without Ivanovic and Jankovic, but Jovanovski has been through this before. Bouchard, also, has been taking Canada on her shoulders recently. The winner of the Bouchard vs Jovanovski match likely wins this tie, and based on recent form, that's Bouchard. And Canada has just a bit more depth behind their top player. CAN 3 SRB 2
Poland at Sweden - With her sister, Aga Radwanska is backed up in singles by the rapidly rising Piter against the Swedish stalwarts of Arvidsson and Larsson. I don't think Radwanska will lose and Swedes are fading so I think Piter can pick off one of them. POL 3 SWE 1
Switzerland at France - This should be another good tie with Cornet and Mladenovic staying in Paris after the indoors against Voegele and the prodigy Bencic. France also has good depth with Garcia and Razzano. Cornet is in good form but can she handle the pressure as the Swiss seem to punch above their weight in Fed Cup. I think the visitors walk in and pull the upset, but if does get to doubles I can't pick against Mladenovic. SUI 3 FRA 1
Japan at Argentina - Argentina is tough to beat on clay in Argentina in Fed Cup and this is no exception. Morita and Date-Krumm are not playing for Japan so it will be Doi, Nara, and Ozaki to counter Ormaechea, Irigoyen, and Molinero. ARG 3 JPN 0
Four of these countries (ARG, FRA, SWE, SUI) were in the group last year. Japan and Serbia played up in World Group I last year. Japan had been up for only year while it was for the Serbs. Up from the zones this year are Canada and Poland. The Poles haven't played at this level since 2010 while Canada was here in 2011.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Budapest, Hungary
Group A: Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Netherlands
The Belgians are at full strength for the first time awhile with Flipkens and Wickmayer and will be the favorite in the group. Vekic has been slumping recently and plays alongs Martic and Mrdeza but no Konjuh. Luxembourg has their veterans Minella and Kremer, and the Dutch have Bertens and Rus who are good at times but haven't made many headlines recently. Besides they often don't play their best in Fed Cup. It is tough to see the Belgians not emerging from this group.
Winner: BEL
Loser: LUX
Group B: Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Romania
The British players seem to be out of form with Robson and Watson both not winning like they did a few years back. They are joined Konta who has had some success. Hungary is at home and has decent players in Babos, Jani, and Czink. Latvia rode Ostapenko to the Group II title last year but without Sevastova going a step further will be tough. That leaves Romania as the group favorites, and while they often play poorly in Fed Cup, this may be their strongest team ever with Halep, Cirstea, Niculescu, and Begu. They shouldn't be seriously challenged.
Winner: ROU
Loser: GBR
Group C: Austria, Israel, Slovenia, Ukraine
This may the toughest group to call. Meusburger, Mayr-Achleitner, and Paszek are all here for Austria so they will be a tough out. Glushko is coming off a career year to compliment Peer for Israel. The Slovenes may be the weak link with not much behind Hercog, though Klepac can play doubles, which is important in the zones. And then there's Ukraine with the in form Svitolina and Savchuk, but no Tsurenko. I really could one of three ways with this and even Slovenia could surprise. This will be a fun group to watch. *flips coin* Going with Ukraine based on past Fed Cup success.
Winner: UKR
Loser: ISR
Group D: Belarus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Turkey
So we move from the strongest group to the weakest. Azarenka is not playing for Belarus so it is Govortsova and not much else. Bulgaria has Pironkova, who may be the in form player in the group but not much else. Portugal has Larcher de Brito and Koehler but it's been awhile since they've been in any headlines. And Turkey doesn't have any recognizable names outside of this competition. I'm going with Bulgaria almost by default.
Winner: BUL
Loser: TUR
Promotion: BEL def. BUL, ROU def. UKR
Relegation: LUX def. TUR, ISR def. GBR
Belgium and Ukraine were dumped down from World Group II last year, ending lengthy time spent out of the zones. The Belgians last competed here in 1995 and for Ukraine it was 2007.
Croatia and Bulgaria lost in the promotion round last year.
Latvia and Tunisia were promoted from Zonal Group II last year. Latvia returns after a 2 year absence. Tunisia was promoted in back-to-back years and was to play in Group I for the first time since 1994 but I don't know what happened to them. But if you read this article, their Davis Cup team was suspended for a year, so perhaps that applies to their Fed Cup team as well.
Luxembourg and Turkey escaped relegation last year by winning in the relegation round.
Americas Zonal Group I
Lambare, Paraguay
Group A: Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
Paraguay has been close in the past with Cepede Royg and Gonzalez, so I would tip them to win this group, especially at home.
Group B: Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador
I'm really not sure how Brazil and Colombia ended up in the same group as they have far and away been the best teams at this level over the past several years, at least from those who have never gotten promoted. The group will assuredly come down to that matchup, and I like Colombia with Duque-Marino and Castano versus Brazil with Pereira and not a lot of depth behind her with no Haddad Maia.
Promotion tie: COL def. PAR
Relegation ties: MEX def. BAH, VEN def. ECU
No teams were relegated from World Group II leaving a tremendous opportunity for someone to get to playoffs and maybe force a European team to travel to South America. Brazil lost the promotion tie last year to Canada.
The Bahamas and Ecuador were promoted from Zonal Group II last year. For Bahamas it was an immediate return to Group I but Ecuador hasn't played at this level since 2001. Venezuela and Mexico fended off relegation by winning relegation ties last year.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Astana, Kazakhstan
Group A: Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand
This group comes down to the tie between the Kazakhs and Thais. The home team is stacked with Voskoboeva, Shvedova, Putintseva, and Karantantcheva, but Thailand has been rising with Kumkhum (def. Kvitova at the Aussie Open), Lertcheewakarn, Lertpitaksinchai (win in Pattaya last week), and veteran Tanasugarn. With the home court though, I think Kazakhstan will advance.
Group B: China, South Korea, Taiwan, Uzbekistan
China for once is throwing a decent team out there with Peng, Zhang, and S.Zheng and they are the heavy favorites. Taiwan doesn't have their best players, and Amanmuradova hasn't been great for a couple years now after a nice run. The Chinese challenge will be if they can match the Kazakhs. I don't think so.
Promotion tie: KAZ def. CHN
Relegation tie: TPE def. INA
No teams were relegated from (or promoted to) World Group II last year. Kazakhstan lost in the playoffs and Thailand lost to them in the promotion tie.
Indonesia was promoted form Zonal Group II after just a one year stay there. South Korea won the relegation tie to stay in Group I.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Astana, Kazakhstan
Group A: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam
Group B: Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Group C: Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
Group D: India, Iran, New Zealand, Pakistan
From what I can tell, 13 teams are playing for one promotion spot to Group I. Leading candidates are India with Mirza, and New Zealand with Erakovic, who happen to be drawn into the same group. I like the Kiwis to advance because Erakovic should be able to beat Mirza at singles and they are both good doubles players. I don't know anything about each teams no. 2. Hong Kong has made the promotion tie the last 3 years and could also be a threat.
India was relegated from Group I last year after spending just one year there. Two countries are here that did not play Fed Cup last year. Sri Lanka returns after a one year absence, but Iraq hasn't fielded a team since 2000.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group III
Tallinn, Estonia
Group A: Armenia, Estonia, Namibia
Group B: Cyprus, Greece, Moldova
Group C: Denmark, Madagascar, Norway
Group D: Iceland, Ireland, Malta
There are 3 names of note: Wozniacki, Kanepi, and Daniilidou, although some may know Kanepi's teammate Kontaveit. I think moving this group to the same date as other Fed Cup action helped get Wozniacki and Kanepi to play because there are no other WTA tournaments ongoing. Unfortunately the Group A and Group C winners will play for promotion as will the Group B and Group D winners, which means Denmark and Estonia will likely meet. I think Estonia can will that due to Kontaveit. Greece is a likely candidate to claim the other promotion.
Promotion ties: EST def. DEN, GRE def. IRL
Estonia and Greece were relegated from Group II last year. For Estonia, it was 3 consecutive years of relegation, in part because of injuries to Kanepi. They have never been this low in the competition. Greece has been relegated in two consecutive years, they last played in Group III in 2009.
Denmark and Moldova were each one win from promotion last year.
And that is the upcoming week/weekend of Fed Cup. Only Americas and Europe/Africa Zonal Group II will not be contested this week. Enjoy the tennis and if anyone knows anything certain about Tunisia please let me know.
World Group I
Italy at United States - This is a battle of the B teams as Serena, Stephens, Venus, Errani, Vinci, Pennetta, and Schiavone are all out. So it leaves Keys, Riske, McHale, and Davis to battle Giorgi, Knapp, Burnett, and Matteucci. Because of the inexperience of these players, this tie is tough to call, especially as several of the women come in with good form, particularly Riske and Knapp. But I've got to with the Americans as they are at home and probably have the better talent, especially in Keys. They also have the most experienced Fed Cup player in McHale. That said, an Italian win wouldn't shock me in the slightest. USA 3 ITA 1
Czech Republic at Spain - The Spanish women, like their male counterparts are tough outs at home and Suarez Navarro is playing well. Kvitova is not and has been sick, and the Czechs aren't bringing their usual amazing doubles team. But Spain doesn't have a lot of in form depth behind Suarez, so this is another tie that goes either way. Safarova and Zakopalova are hit and miss and if Kvitova isn't amazing this could be tough. I think Spain pulls an ambush. ESP 3 CZE 1
Germany at Slovakia - This may be the tie of the weekend with Kerber, Lisicki, and Petkovic heading indoors to play the losing Aussie Open finalist and a resurgent Hantuchova. The Germans don't always play best in Fed Cup and they haven't exactly been lighting up the tour recently anyway so if Cibulkova has anything left after Australia I think they get this done. SVK 3 GER 1
Russia at Australia - So we have the up and coming Russians playing at Australia, where the Aussies tend to struggle. This may be the chance Stosur, Dellacqua, and Barty have to get the monkey off their back as Russia is playing with Kan, Khromacheva, Solovyeva, and Kudermetova. That might be a good lineup 5 years from now, but the Aussies are in form and I don't think they let this slip away. AUS 3 RUS 0
At least one of these ties is bound to go to the doubles, but I'll stick with my 3-1 picks.
Six of these countries were in World Group I last year. The newcomers are Germany and Spain, who rejoin after only one year down in World Group II.
World Group II
Serbia at Canada - Serbia is without Ivanovic and Jankovic, but Jovanovski has been through this before. Bouchard, also, has been taking Canada on her shoulders recently. The winner of the Bouchard vs Jovanovski match likely wins this tie, and based on recent form, that's Bouchard. And Canada has just a bit more depth behind their top player. CAN 3 SRB 2
Poland at Sweden - With her sister, Aga Radwanska is backed up in singles by the rapidly rising Piter against the Swedish stalwarts of Arvidsson and Larsson. I don't think Radwanska will lose and Swedes are fading so I think Piter can pick off one of them. POL 3 SWE 1
Switzerland at France - This should be another good tie with Cornet and Mladenovic staying in Paris after the indoors against Voegele and the prodigy Bencic. France also has good depth with Garcia and Razzano. Cornet is in good form but can she handle the pressure as the Swiss seem to punch above their weight in Fed Cup. I think the visitors walk in and pull the upset, but if does get to doubles I can't pick against Mladenovic. SUI 3 FRA 1
Japan at Argentina - Argentina is tough to beat on clay in Argentina in Fed Cup and this is no exception. Morita and Date-Krumm are not playing for Japan so it will be Doi, Nara, and Ozaki to counter Ormaechea, Irigoyen, and Molinero. ARG 3 JPN 0
Four of these countries (ARG, FRA, SWE, SUI) were in the group last year. Japan and Serbia played up in World Group I last year. Japan had been up for only year while it was for the Serbs. Up from the zones this year are Canada and Poland. The Poles haven't played at this level since 2010 while Canada was here in 2011.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group I
Budapest, Hungary
Group A: Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Netherlands
The Belgians are at full strength for the first time awhile with Flipkens and Wickmayer and will be the favorite in the group. Vekic has been slumping recently and plays alongs Martic and Mrdeza but no Konjuh. Luxembourg has their veterans Minella and Kremer, and the Dutch have Bertens and Rus who are good at times but haven't made many headlines recently. Besides they often don't play their best in Fed Cup. It is tough to see the Belgians not emerging from this group.
Winner: BEL
Loser: LUX
Group B: Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Romania
The British players seem to be out of form with Robson and Watson both not winning like they did a few years back. They are joined Konta who has had some success. Hungary is at home and has decent players in Babos, Jani, and Czink. Latvia rode Ostapenko to the Group II title last year but without Sevastova going a step further will be tough. That leaves Romania as the group favorites, and while they often play poorly in Fed Cup, this may be their strongest team ever with Halep, Cirstea, Niculescu, and Begu. They shouldn't be seriously challenged.
Winner: ROU
Loser: GBR
Group C: Austria, Israel, Slovenia, Ukraine
This may the toughest group to call. Meusburger, Mayr-Achleitner, and Paszek are all here for Austria so they will be a tough out. Glushko is coming off a career year to compliment Peer for Israel. The Slovenes may be the weak link with not much behind Hercog, though Klepac can play doubles, which is important in the zones. And then there's Ukraine with the in form Svitolina and Savchuk, but no Tsurenko. I really could one of three ways with this and even Slovenia could surprise. This will be a fun group to watch. *flips coin* Going with Ukraine based on past Fed Cup success.
Winner: UKR
Loser: ISR
Group D: Belarus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Turkey
So we move from the strongest group to the weakest. Azarenka is not playing for Belarus so it is Govortsova and not much else. Bulgaria has Pironkova, who may be the in form player in the group but not much else. Portugal has Larcher de Brito and Koehler but it's been awhile since they've been in any headlines. And Turkey doesn't have any recognizable names outside of this competition. I'm going with Bulgaria almost by default.
Winner: BUL
Loser: TUR
Promotion: BEL def. BUL, ROU def. UKR
Relegation: LUX def. TUR, ISR def. GBR
Belgium and Ukraine were dumped down from World Group II last year, ending lengthy time spent out of the zones. The Belgians last competed here in 1995 and for Ukraine it was 2007.
Croatia and Bulgaria lost in the promotion round last year.
Latvia and Tunisia were promoted from Zonal Group II last year. Latvia returns after a 2 year absence. Tunisia was promoted in back-to-back years and was to play in Group I for the first time since 1994 but I don't know what happened to them. But if you read this article, their Davis Cup team was suspended for a year, so perhaps that applies to their Fed Cup team as well.
Luxembourg and Turkey escaped relegation last year by winning in the relegation round.
Americas Zonal Group I
Lambare, Paraguay
Group A: Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
Paraguay has been close in the past with Cepede Royg and Gonzalez, so I would tip them to win this group, especially at home.
Group B: Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador
I'm really not sure how Brazil and Colombia ended up in the same group as they have far and away been the best teams at this level over the past several years, at least from those who have never gotten promoted. The group will assuredly come down to that matchup, and I like Colombia with Duque-Marino and Castano versus Brazil with Pereira and not a lot of depth behind her with no Haddad Maia.
Promotion tie: COL def. PAR
Relegation ties: MEX def. BAH, VEN def. ECU
No teams were relegated from World Group II leaving a tremendous opportunity for someone to get to playoffs and maybe force a European team to travel to South America. Brazil lost the promotion tie last year to Canada.
The Bahamas and Ecuador were promoted from Zonal Group II last year. For Bahamas it was an immediate return to Group I but Ecuador hasn't played at this level since 2001. Venezuela and Mexico fended off relegation by winning relegation ties last year.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I
Astana, Kazakhstan
Group A: Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand
This group comes down to the tie between the Kazakhs and Thais. The home team is stacked with Voskoboeva, Shvedova, Putintseva, and Karantantcheva, but Thailand has been rising with Kumkhum (def. Kvitova at the Aussie Open), Lertcheewakarn, Lertpitaksinchai (win in Pattaya last week), and veteran Tanasugarn. With the home court though, I think Kazakhstan will advance.
Group B: China, South Korea, Taiwan, Uzbekistan
China for once is throwing a decent team out there with Peng, Zhang, and S.Zheng and they are the heavy favorites. Taiwan doesn't have their best players, and Amanmuradova hasn't been great for a couple years now after a nice run. The Chinese challenge will be if they can match the Kazakhs. I don't think so.
Promotion tie: KAZ def. CHN
Relegation tie: TPE def. INA
No teams were relegated from (or promoted to) World Group II last year. Kazakhstan lost in the playoffs and Thailand lost to them in the promotion tie.
Indonesia was promoted form Zonal Group II after just a one year stay there. South Korea won the relegation tie to stay in Group I.
Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II
Astana, Kazakhstan
Group A: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam
Group B: Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Group C: Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
Group D: India, Iran, New Zealand, Pakistan
From what I can tell, 13 teams are playing for one promotion spot to Group I. Leading candidates are India with Mirza, and New Zealand with Erakovic, who happen to be drawn into the same group. I like the Kiwis to advance because Erakovic should be able to beat Mirza at singles and they are both good doubles players. I don't know anything about each teams no. 2. Hong Kong has made the promotion tie the last 3 years and could also be a threat.
India was relegated from Group I last year after spending just one year there. Two countries are here that did not play Fed Cup last year. Sri Lanka returns after a one year absence, but Iraq hasn't fielded a team since 2000.
Europe/Africa Zonal Group III
Tallinn, Estonia
Group A: Armenia, Estonia, Namibia
Group B: Cyprus, Greece, Moldova
Group C: Denmark, Madagascar, Norway
Group D: Iceland, Ireland, Malta
There are 3 names of note: Wozniacki, Kanepi, and Daniilidou, although some may know Kanepi's teammate Kontaveit. I think moving this group to the same date as other Fed Cup action helped get Wozniacki and Kanepi to play because there are no other WTA tournaments ongoing. Unfortunately the Group A and Group C winners will play for promotion as will the Group B and Group D winners, which means Denmark and Estonia will likely meet. I think Estonia can will that due to Kontaveit. Greece is a likely candidate to claim the other promotion.
Promotion ties: EST def. DEN, GRE def. IRL
Estonia and Greece were relegated from Group II last year. For Estonia, it was 3 consecutive years of relegation, in part because of injuries to Kanepi. They have never been this low in the competition. Greece has been relegated in two consecutive years, they last played in Group III in 2009.
Denmark and Moldova were each one win from promotion last year.
And that is the upcoming week/weekend of Fed Cup. Only Americas and Europe/Africa Zonal Group II will not be contested this week. Enjoy the tennis and if anyone knows anything certain about Tunisia please let me know.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Djokovic Continues Winning Streak in Paris, Halep Tacks On 1 More 2013 Title
Novak Djokovic ran his winning streak to 17 matches by winning the final Masters event of the year in Paris. He hasn't lost since losing the US Open final to Nadal. He will have the confidence and should be favorite heading to London, in part due to Ferrer upsetting Nadal in the semis. Also we may have not seen the last of Federer, who beat Del Potro and then won a set from Djokovic in the semis.
2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. 3) David Ferrer (ESP) 7-5 7-5
-Djokovic wins 40th career title, 6th of 2013, last '13 Shanghai
-It is his 16th Masters title, and he is still 4th all-time
-It is his 2nd win in Paris ('09)
-He is the first man since Safin ('04) to be a repeat champion in Paris
As a recap, here are the Masters winners for 2013:
Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Miami: Andy Murray (GBR)
Monte Carlo: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Madrid: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Rome: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Montreal: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Cincinnati: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Shanghai: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Paris: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
It is fewest different winners of Masters tournaments in a year since 2005 (Federer, Nadal, Berdych).
At the second tier Tournament of Champion in Sofia, Bulgaria, Simona Halep continued her success, winning her 6th title of the year, defeating Stosur in the final 2-6 6-2 6-2. She is now on the verge of the top 10, ranked #11, and does not have many points to defend early in the year. It was certainly a breakout season for the young Romanian and now we will see if she can translate her success and now high ranking into better runs at the Tier I and major tournaments.
Ivanovic and Pavlyuchenkova advanced to the semis in Sofia. The players not making it out the round robin were Cornet (1-2), Kirilenko (0-1 - withdrew), Svitolina (0-2 - replaced Kirilenko), Vesnina (2-1), and wildcard Pironkova (0-3).
I will also use this page to briefly summarize the anticlimactic Fed Cup final. This result really doesn't warrant its own page since Russia didn't bother to send its best players and the ending was as anticipated.
ITA 4 RUS 0
Roberta Vinci def. Alexandra Panova 5-7 7-5 8-6
Sara Errani def. Irina Khromacheva 6-1 6-4
Errani def. Alisa Kleybanova 6-1 6-1
*rubber #4 not played*
Karin Knapp/Flavia Pennetta def. Margarita Gasparyan/Khromacheva 4-6 6-2 10-4
I did tell you that I did expect a little fight from the Russians but I didn't expect Panova to provide that fight. She nearly put the Russians ahead to begin the tie, but Vinci prevailed 8-6 in the 3rd. Curiously, Panova didn't play the opening rubber on day 2 and instead Kleybanova, who hasn't played on clay in 2-1/2 won only 2 games against a French Open finalist.
But congrats to the Italian ladies, who win their 4th Fed Cup, all coming since 2006. Now it is only 3 months until the competition begins again in 2014.
2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. 3) David Ferrer (ESP) 7-5 7-5
-Djokovic wins 40th career title, 6th of 2013, last '13 Shanghai
-It is his 16th Masters title, and he is still 4th all-time
-It is his 2nd win in Paris ('09)
-He is the first man since Safin ('04) to be a repeat champion in Paris
As a recap, here are the Masters winners for 2013:
Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Miami: Andy Murray (GBR)
Monte Carlo: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Madrid: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Rome: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Montreal: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Cincinnati: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Shanghai: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Paris: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
It is fewest different winners of Masters tournaments in a year since 2005 (Federer, Nadal, Berdych).
At the second tier Tournament of Champion in Sofia, Bulgaria, Simona Halep continued her success, winning her 6th title of the year, defeating Stosur in the final 2-6 6-2 6-2. She is now on the verge of the top 10, ranked #11, and does not have many points to defend early in the year. It was certainly a breakout season for the young Romanian and now we will see if she can translate her success and now high ranking into better runs at the Tier I and major tournaments.
Ivanovic and Pavlyuchenkova advanced to the semis in Sofia. The players not making it out the round robin were Cornet (1-2), Kirilenko (0-1 - withdrew), Svitolina (0-2 - replaced Kirilenko), Vesnina (2-1), and wildcard Pironkova (0-3).
I will also use this page to briefly summarize the anticlimactic Fed Cup final. This result really doesn't warrant its own page since Russia didn't bother to send its best players and the ending was as anticipated.
ITA 4 RUS 0
Roberta Vinci def. Alexandra Panova 5-7 7-5 8-6
Sara Errani def. Irina Khromacheva 6-1 6-4
Errani def. Alisa Kleybanova 6-1 6-1
*rubber #4 not played*
Karin Knapp/Flavia Pennetta def. Margarita Gasparyan/Khromacheva 4-6 6-2 10-4
I did tell you that I did expect a little fight from the Russians but I didn't expect Panova to provide that fight. She nearly put the Russians ahead to begin the tie, but Vinci prevailed 8-6 in the 3rd. Curiously, Panova didn't play the opening rubber on day 2 and instead Kleybanova, who hasn't played on clay in 2-1/2 won only 2 games against a French Open finalist.
But congrats to the Italian ladies, who win their 4th Fed Cup, all coming since 2006. Now it is only 3 months until the competition begins again in 2014.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Fed Cup Final: ITA vs RUS
The 2013 Fed Cup final will be contested this weekend on the island of Sardinia, and it looks like a complete dud, thanks to the Russians unwillingness to put kind of a competitive team together against the Italian stalwarts. About the only thing worth paying attention to in the tie will be look at some of the young Russian players and see if they can make any of kind of a match (or set) of their contests. The WTA's second tier tournament of champions in Sofia is partly to blame for this fiasco, but Vinci chose to skip the event unlike her Russian counterparts Kirilenko, Vesnina, and Pavlyuchenkova, who have definitely played plenty of Fed Cup over the past couple years. But Russia is still without Kuznetsova, Makarova, and a host of other top 100 talent, so I wonder if once the top few players were out of the fix, Russia elected to go with a young squad.
But enough complaining about no Russians, and on to the tie itself. Errani and Vinci are the leaders of the home Italian squad, and Vinci is coming another solid campaign but Errani has slumped after being on fire at the beginning of the year. They are backed by Pennetta and Knapp, who gets the call in place of Schiavone. This would be a powerful lineup really against any team the Russians could have put forward, or any country for that matter. Russia counters with two players in their mid-20s and two teenagers. Their "no. 1" is Panova and she is joined by Kleybanova, who is only recently back on tour (reaching the quarters in Moscow) after battling cancer. Promising youngsters Khromacheva and Gasparyan complete the Russian side. Who the Russian captain Tarpischev will throw out in any and all matches is a total guess, but I would lean toward Kleybanova and Khromacheva getting the nod.
I think the Russians will put up a bit of a fight, and maybe even surprise Errani (look what the US did in February), but ultimately this should be yet another coronation for the Italian Fed Cup team.
ITA 3 RUS 0
But enough complaining about no Russians, and on to the tie itself. Errani and Vinci are the leaders of the home Italian squad, and Vinci is coming another solid campaign but Errani has slumped after being on fire at the beginning of the year. They are backed by Pennetta and Knapp, who gets the call in place of Schiavone. This would be a powerful lineup really against any team the Russians could have put forward, or any country for that matter. Russia counters with two players in their mid-20s and two teenagers. Their "no. 1" is Panova and she is joined by Kleybanova, who is only recently back on tour (reaching the quarters in Moscow) after battling cancer. Promising youngsters Khromacheva and Gasparyan complete the Russian side. Who the Russian captain Tarpischev will throw out in any and all matches is a total guess, but I would lean toward Kleybanova and Khromacheva getting the nod.
I think the Russians will put up a bit of a fight, and maybe even surprise Errani (look what the US did in February), but ultimately this should be yet another coronation for the Italian Fed Cup team.
ITA 3 RUS 0
Monday, April 22, 2013
Fed Cup Drama: Final, 2014 World Groups Set
It was another dramatic weekend in Fed Cup, with a country coming from 2-0 down to reach the final and three live 5th rubbers across the ten World Group ties. There was also some drama down in Europe/Africa Zonal Group II and rain delays around the world.
And it being Fed Cup, unlikely heros were born: Ekaterina Makarova, Maria Irigoyen, Alize Cornet, Ashleigh Barty, and others. This is something I enjoy about the competition.
World Group Semifinals
ITA 3 CZE 1: Italy started strong by winning four sets on day 1, Errani and Vinci taking out Safarova and Kvitova. Kvitova then saved the Czechs from a sweep by knocking off Errani before rained moved the last two rubbers to Monday. Vinci the came out and clinched the tie and a spot in the final by defeating Safarova in 3 sets.
RUS 3 SVK 2: The Slovaks came out on fire with wins on day 1 by Cibulkova and Hantuchova over Pavlyuchenkova and Kirilenko. But in this battle of chokers, the Slovaks choked last: Kirilenko kept Russia in it with a straight sets defeat of Hantuchova, and then Makarova came off the bench to win singles and doubles with Vesnina, both in 3 sets, to make the Russians just the 5th team to come back from 2-0 down in a World Group tie. (They were also 4th team just two years ago against France.)
2013 Fed Cup Final: Russia at Italy
World Group I Playoffs
GER 3 SRB 2: For all her Fed Cup faults in the past, Ivanovic showed up for this one and won her two singles rubbers over Barthel and Kerber. But Jovanovski, for all her Fed Cup prowess, lost both of hers and the tie went to the doubles. Groenefeld/Lisicki defeated Dolonc/Krunic in straight sets and we are left wondering what would have happened if Ivanovic would have played doubles.
AUS 3 SUI 1: Rain wreaked havoc on this tie, pushing play back until Monday and forcing two sets of simultaneous singles matches. The two no. 1's Stosur and Oprandi won the first salvo, leaving the tie at 1-1 but then the Aussies chose Barty to play Voegele rather than Gajdosova. It paid off as Stosur and the Aussie teen simultaneously won their singles matches to stay in the top World Group.
ESP 4 JPN 0: Japan did not win a set in this tie, and Spanish was on fire from the beginning. Suarez Navarro won two points for Spain including the clincher as Morita and Doi came up empty.
USA 3 SWE 1: The tie got off to a rocky start for the overwhelming favorites when Arvidsson beat Stephens in the opening rubber. But the Williams sisters won three straight singles matches, Venus subbing for Stephens to send the Swedes packing.
World Group II Playoffs
POL 4 BEL 1: Flipkens made things a little interesting when she beat Urszula on day 1, but she had no support. Aggie won her singles matches, in 3 sets over Flipkens on day 2, and then Urszula clinched with a win over van Uytvanck in the 4th rubber. Where's Wickmayer when you need her?
FRA 4 KAZ 1: Bartoli got the hosts off to a good start in her Fed Cup singles debut, losing just 3 games to Voskoboeva. Shvedova countered by beating Cornet to knot the tie at 1-1. But the French came through on day 2 with wins for Bartoli and Cornet over Shvedova and Pervak to keep them from falling the zones for the first time.
ARG 3 GBR 1: Ormaechea played the lead role well for Argentina, who are very difficult to beat at the Parque Roca. She beat Konta and then Robson in the 3rd rubber. Robson beat Molinero on day 1 but Irigoyen came off the bench in the 4th rubber to clinch the tie over Baltacha. Where's Watson when you need her?
CAN 3 UKR 2: Another dramatic tie and battle between rising youngsters. Svitolina got things off to a good start for the hosts by stunning Bouchard, but that was negated when Tsurenko lost to Fichman. Svitolina and Bouchard got day 2 singles wins, then everyone got together for the doubles. The Canadians won in straight sets so they'll join World Group II next year.
2014 World Group I: Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
2014 World Group II: Argentina, Canada, France, Japan, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland
-Six countries remain in World Group I. Germany and Spain earned promotion and both spent just one year in World Group II.
-Japan and Serbia were relegated to World Group II. Japan spent just one year in World Group I, while Serbia was there for two, reaching the Fed Cup final last year.
-Four countries remain in World Group II. Canada and Poland earned promotion from the zones. Canada last competed in World Group II in 2011 while it was 2010 for Poland.
-Belgium and Ukraine were relegated to Europe/Africa Zonal Group I. This means that group will have 17 countries in 2014, a large number. Belgium hasn't played in zonal competition since 1995 while Ukraine was last there in 2007.
Speaking of Europe/Africa Zonal Group I, Tunisia and Latvia were promoted this past weekend during Group II play in Ulcinj, Montenegro. Ons Jabeur (TUN) won all her singles matches during the week and they beat Lithuania in one of the group final in a matchup of two countries promoted from Group III last year. Latvia got a great week from world no. 683 Jelena Ostapenko as they survived a final round battle with Kovinic and the local Montenegrins. Ostapenko and Kovinic won singles matches in the final, so the tie came down the doubles where Latvia won in 3 sets. In the relegation ties, South Africa avoided disaster by defeating Estonia, who played without Kanepi and Kontaveitt while Greece fell to Finland, so Estonia and Finland are relegated to Zonal Group III.
-Tunisia last competed at the Group I level back in 1994, and they have been promoted in back-to-back years. Latvia was in Group I as recently in 2011, thanks to the play of Sevastova.
-Estonia played in a World Group I playoff round just 3 years ago, but now they have been relegated three straight years. They have never played in Group III before. Greece last competed that low in 2009.
And it being Fed Cup, unlikely heros were born: Ekaterina Makarova, Maria Irigoyen, Alize Cornet, Ashleigh Barty, and others. This is something I enjoy about the competition.
World Group Semifinals
ITA 3 CZE 1: Italy started strong by winning four sets on day 1, Errani and Vinci taking out Safarova and Kvitova. Kvitova then saved the Czechs from a sweep by knocking off Errani before rained moved the last two rubbers to Monday. Vinci the came out and clinched the tie and a spot in the final by defeating Safarova in 3 sets.
RUS 3 SVK 2: The Slovaks came out on fire with wins on day 1 by Cibulkova and Hantuchova over Pavlyuchenkova and Kirilenko. But in this battle of chokers, the Slovaks choked last: Kirilenko kept Russia in it with a straight sets defeat of Hantuchova, and then Makarova came off the bench to win singles and doubles with Vesnina, both in 3 sets, to make the Russians just the 5th team to come back from 2-0 down in a World Group tie. (They were also 4th team just two years ago against France.)
2013 Fed Cup Final: Russia at Italy
World Group I Playoffs
GER 3 SRB 2: For all her Fed Cup faults in the past, Ivanovic showed up for this one and won her two singles rubbers over Barthel and Kerber. But Jovanovski, for all her Fed Cup prowess, lost both of hers and the tie went to the doubles. Groenefeld/Lisicki defeated Dolonc/Krunic in straight sets and we are left wondering what would have happened if Ivanovic would have played doubles.
AUS 3 SUI 1: Rain wreaked havoc on this tie, pushing play back until Monday and forcing two sets of simultaneous singles matches. The two no. 1's Stosur and Oprandi won the first salvo, leaving the tie at 1-1 but then the Aussies chose Barty to play Voegele rather than Gajdosova. It paid off as Stosur and the Aussie teen simultaneously won their singles matches to stay in the top World Group.
ESP 4 JPN 0: Japan did not win a set in this tie, and Spanish was on fire from the beginning. Suarez Navarro won two points for Spain including the clincher as Morita and Doi came up empty.
USA 3 SWE 1: The tie got off to a rocky start for the overwhelming favorites when Arvidsson beat Stephens in the opening rubber. But the Williams sisters won three straight singles matches, Venus subbing for Stephens to send the Swedes packing.
World Group II Playoffs
POL 4 BEL 1: Flipkens made things a little interesting when she beat Urszula on day 1, but she had no support. Aggie won her singles matches, in 3 sets over Flipkens on day 2, and then Urszula clinched with a win over van Uytvanck in the 4th rubber. Where's Wickmayer when you need her?
FRA 4 KAZ 1: Bartoli got the hosts off to a good start in her Fed Cup singles debut, losing just 3 games to Voskoboeva. Shvedova countered by beating Cornet to knot the tie at 1-1. But the French came through on day 2 with wins for Bartoli and Cornet over Shvedova and Pervak to keep them from falling the zones for the first time.
ARG 3 GBR 1: Ormaechea played the lead role well for Argentina, who are very difficult to beat at the Parque Roca. She beat Konta and then Robson in the 3rd rubber. Robson beat Molinero on day 1 but Irigoyen came off the bench in the 4th rubber to clinch the tie over Baltacha. Where's Watson when you need her?
CAN 3 UKR 2: Another dramatic tie and battle between rising youngsters. Svitolina got things off to a good start for the hosts by stunning Bouchard, but that was negated when Tsurenko lost to Fichman. Svitolina and Bouchard got day 2 singles wins, then everyone got together for the doubles. The Canadians won in straight sets so they'll join World Group II next year.
2014 World Group I: Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, United States
2014 World Group II: Argentina, Canada, France, Japan, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland
-Six countries remain in World Group I. Germany and Spain earned promotion and both spent just one year in World Group II.
-Japan and Serbia were relegated to World Group II. Japan spent just one year in World Group I, while Serbia was there for two, reaching the Fed Cup final last year.
-Four countries remain in World Group II. Canada and Poland earned promotion from the zones. Canada last competed in World Group II in 2011 while it was 2010 for Poland.
-Belgium and Ukraine were relegated to Europe/Africa Zonal Group I. This means that group will have 17 countries in 2014, a large number. Belgium hasn't played in zonal competition since 1995 while Ukraine was last there in 2007.
Speaking of Europe/Africa Zonal Group I, Tunisia and Latvia were promoted this past weekend during Group II play in Ulcinj, Montenegro. Ons Jabeur (TUN) won all her singles matches during the week and they beat Lithuania in one of the group final in a matchup of two countries promoted from Group III last year. Latvia got a great week from world no. 683 Jelena Ostapenko as they survived a final round battle with Kovinic and the local Montenegrins. Ostapenko and Kovinic won singles matches in the final, so the tie came down the doubles where Latvia won in 3 sets. In the relegation ties, South Africa avoided disaster by defeating Estonia, who played without Kanepi and Kontaveitt while Greece fell to Finland, so Estonia and Finland are relegated to Zonal Group III.
-Tunisia last competed at the Group I level back in 1994, and they have been promoted in back-to-back years. Latvia was in Group I as recently in 2011, thanks to the play of Sevastova.
-Estonia played in a World Group I playoff round just 3 years ago, but now they have been relegated three straight years. They have never played in Group III before. Greece last competed that low in 2009.
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