Sibamac Arena, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
February 5-6, 2011
Playing for Slovak Republic: Daniela Hantuchova, Dominika Cibulkova, Magdalena Rybarikova and Jana Cepelova
Playing for Czech Republic: Petra Kvitova, Lucie Safarova, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Kveta Peschke
The Czechs have a perfect 3-0 record over neighbours Slovak Republic, having met in 2000, 2007 and 2008. The two nations played under the same flag until 1994.
Slovak Republic competes in the World Group of the competition for the first time in seven years, having earned its place in the top tier by defeating Serbia 3-2 in the decisive fifth rubber of their World Group play-off in Belgrade last April. The Slovaks have won their last four ties on home ground, their last defeat at home being to the Czechs in the 2007 World Group II first round.
Czech Republic has reached the Fed Cup semifinals for the last two years, losing out to USA in 2009 and Italy in 2010. 2009 marked the first time in 12 years that the Czechs had gone beyond the first round of the World Group competition. They have won the title on five occasions but not since 1988.
this is gonna be good match-up. Both countries’ players lost early on Australian Open so they had enough time to prepare for Fed Cup. Slovakia is my tip