Molik and Ferguson to meet Italian duo in Fed Cup preview

Written by: Staff on 9th January 2011

Molik and Ferguson to meet Italian duo in Fed Cup preview

Alicia Molik in action on day 2 of the Australian Open. She lost to Julie Coin: 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3 |

Australian Fed Cup squad members Alicia Molik and Sophie Ferguson will have their first look at upcoming opponent Italy when they face Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani in their opening doubles match at the Moorilla Hobart International today.

Molik will pair with Ferguson for the second time on the WTA Tour and will be hoping to gain an edge on their Italian counterparts before next month’s World Group first round tie in Hobart.

Fellow Fed Cup squad member Jarmila Groth will also play her opening doubles match today with Klara Zakopalova, with the pair reaching the second round of last year’s US Open.

The first round of the singles draw is also underway with Vinci enjoying a straight sets victory against fellow Italian Romina Oprandi in 1 hour and 17 minutes, while Ayumi Morita ((JPN) defeated Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) in a tough three-set match.

Errani and former champion Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) have commenced their first round match on Centre Court, while No.8 seed Angelique Kerber is set to face veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan this afternoon.

Earlier today, Ferguson and rising star Jessica Moore were both defeated in the second qualifying round for the singles draw.

Topics: Alicia Molik, Sophie Ferguson, Tennis