women's tennis
The World Group reconvened for the second and last day of the first round as eight countries vied for their spot in the semifinals this April. Four countries-Russia, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic and Italy- moved on and will compete against each other for the chance to make it to this year's finals.
This year’s Fed Cup 2013 kicked off on Friday with the first round pitting eight countries in the World Group against each other for the chance to move onto the semifinals in April.
This year's Fed Cup first round for the World Group competition will kick off with the Russia vs. Japan matchup. Russia, once the finalist of the tournament in 2011, will hold the home court advantage over Japan as it plays at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
The second matchup of the Fed Cup's first round will pit 2012 finalist Serbia against the Slovak Republic. Serbia will not only have the experience of being last year's finalist but will hold home court advantage as it competes against the Slovak Republic at Hala "CAIR" in Nis, Serbia.
The Fed Cup's last matchup for the first round will put returning World Group member Italy against the USA. Italy will hold the home court advantage as it competes against team USA at 105 Stadium in Rimini, Italy.
Reigning champion the Czech Republic returns for the first round of the Fed Cup on Saturday in its quest to maintain its title. The team will face off against Australia for two days at the Cez Arena in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
This year's Fed Cup will kick off round one of the World Group on Saturday, February 9 with eight countries vying for the title-the Czech Republic, Australia, Italy, USA, Russia, Japan, Serbia and the Slovak Republic. Returning champions, the Czech Republic, will compete to defend their title against Australia in the first round.
