2014 Fed Cup laughs

[janie]

Not playing in the first round of this august, storied, and much-loved event:

*Williams, Stephens
*Azarenka
*Errani, Vinci, Schiavone, Pennetta
*Kvitova
*Robson
*Flipkens
*Jankovic, Ivanovic
*Pironkova
*Russia: "Russia have six players ranked in the top 35 ... but none of that half-dozen have made themselves available for the February 8-9 tie and nor have any of Russia’s next seven players on the world rankings."


Actually taking Fed Cup seriously and sending their top players (as of now): Slovakia, Germany, Poland, Canada

[janie]

I can't tell if the top Pakistanis sat out or not! But at least they participated. I see Erakovic stepped up:

New Zealand 3, Pakistan 0
Dianne Hollands (NZL) d. Ushna Suhail (PAK) 61 60
Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Sara Mansoor (PAK) 60 61
Abigail Guthrie/Emma Hayman (NZL) d. Maheen Dada/Rida Khalid (PAK) 60 61

By the way, in a highly-anticipated showdown from the back of beyond, this happened:

Turkmenistan 2, Iraq 1

In other zonal action, Portugal sent in its big guns MK and MLDB and edged out Bulgaria, and Belarus advanced without its one gun.

[The Chloe]

I bought Fed Cup tickets in Russia once and then didn't bother to go.

[janie]

That's understandable!

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I'm actually interested in a couple of these ties. US-Italy and Canada-Serbia, for example.

[janie]

The Serbian captain was super-gracious after his B-team lost to Canada 1-3:
"They deserved this win," said Serbian captain Dejan Vranes of Canada's overall victory. "Simply, they were the best. I wish them luck. They deserve to be in the World Group next year."

I was so happy for Wozniak to get a win here. Hope she can start climbing back up -- again -- in WTA rankings soon. And stay healthy.