Fed Cup: Semi Final & Play Off Predictions

Fed Cup: Martina Hingis to play SINGLES!

The World Group semi finals will be played this weekend to determine who will play for the Fed Cup at the end of the year. The Czech Republic will face France and Russia will meet Germany! Here’s a preview of the action to come and who I predict will come through!

Czech Republic vs France on indoor hard in Ostrava, Czech Republic

The Czech’s will be tough to beat! They have won 3 of the last 4 editions of the Fed Cup and both Petra Kvitova and Lucie Safarova excel on indoor hard courts before a home crowd. Petra is back in action after missing both Indian Wells and Miami due to exhaustion and though Lucie Safarova lost early in both of these tournaments, she won Doha playing some incredible tennis. Caroline Garcia should prove to be France’s most valuable asset, considering she recently made back to back finals in Acapulco and Monterrey. On the other hand, Kristina Mladenovic hasn’t played well this year and could be the weak link in the French team! Having said that, Kvitova will be rusty and vulnerable! Prediction: Czech Republic

Russia vs Germany on indoor clay court in Sochi, Russia

The Russian’s SHOULD have had Maria Sharapova on their side, playing in her hometown for the 1st time ever! Unfortunately, Maria has been side-lined by a leg injury and won’t be able to play! Without her, the Russian’s will have to rely on Fed Cup stalwart, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Svetlana regained some form in Miami and has always been at her best on clay, whilst Anastasia can beat anyone indoors. However, the teams a little unpredictable for my liking! But then again, so are the Germans! I am VERY surprised that neither the Charleston champion, Angelique Kerber or the Charleston semi finalist, Andrea Petkovic are playing singles! Instead, Sabine Lisicki and Julia Goerges will fly the flag! It’s a curious decision which has no doubt been made as a result of Kerber and Petkovic suffering with fatigue and wanting to save themselves for the Stuttgart tournament next week. Lisicki might well pull the team through considering her recent renaissance in form, which took her deep into both Indian Wells and Miami and Goerges has had some great success on clay in the past! Prediction: Russia

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Elsewhere, the World Group play offs will take place, where countries compete for promotion into the World Group or face relegation into World Group II. The World Group play offs are as follows:

USA vs Italy on outdoor clay in Brindisi, Italy; Serena Williams will do her bit but can Lauren Davis withstand Sara Errani and Camila Giorgi?

Netherlands vs Australia on indoor clay in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands; Sam Stosur’s appearance surely gives Australia the edge!

Poland vs Switzerland on indoor hard in Zielona Gora, Poland; Agnieszska Radwanska will have her hands full against in form Timea Bacsinszky and believe it or not… Martina Hingis! It’s Martina’s 1st singles outing since 2007 and the 1st time she’s appeared in Fed Cup since 1998! With her on side, I think the Swiss will come through!

Canada vs Romania on indoor hard in Montreal, Canada; Eugenie Bouchard will spearhead the Canadians, but considering her terrible recent form, is that such a good thing? The Romanian’s are lacking Simona Halep, who was no doubt put off travelling to Canada before the clay court swing, but have in form Irina Camelia Begu on hand. I can see a Romanian upset here!

The World Group II play offs sees Serbia vs Paraguay (Ana Ivanovic included), Belarus vs Japan (Victoria Azarenka WILL make the trip to Japan!), Slovakia vs Sweden (Hantuchova reporting for duty as always) and Argentina vs Spain (minus Carla Suarez Navarro!)

Next: ATP Monte Carlo: Thursday Predictions, Nadal to cruise

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