The Sibamac Arena in Bratislava saw a unique collection of charming beauty
combined with outstanding tennis talent this morning, as it played host to
the official draw ceremony for the World Group II Fed Cup by BNP Paribas
first round tie between the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic.
Held in the victory-enhancing surroundings of the National Tennis Centre,
venue of a memorable Davis Cup Final in 2005, STZ Secretary General Igor
Moska got the ceremony underway as he presented the honorary guests of the
draw. With meet and greet over, the proceedings were handed to ITF Referee
Soeren Friemel who introduced the respective teams with the help of legendary
Ann Jones.
Nominations on both sides brought no surprise whatsoever, leaving the draw
for this highly-anticipated clash as follows:
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) vs Lucie Safarova (CZE)
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) vs Nicole Vaidisova (CZE)
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) vs Nicole Vaidisova (CZE)
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) vs Lucie Safarova (CZE)
Daniela Hantuchova/Janette Husarova (SVK)
vs
Iveta Benesova/Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova (CZE)
These great tennis nations have met just on one previous occasion, back in
April 2000 in Bratislava, when the home team featuring the the then 17-year-old
Hantuchova lost the round-robin match 1-2.
Slovakia in shape
Having advanced from the Europe/Africa Zone, the Slovak team are on promising
form and currently hold a five-match winning streak in Fed Cup under the
captaincy of Mojmir Mihal.
However this invincibility will be strongly challenged by the might of a
highly motivated Czech team, featuring three Top 100 players, who have come
unbelievably close to clinching a berth in the World Group over the last two
years, bowing to their opponents in the decisive doubles rubber.
Hantuchova takes on Safarova in the opener
On paper the Slovak team seems to be the underdog, yet the bookmakers are
anticipating a close contest given that the whole nation will be expecting
miracles from the much-beloved Daniela Hantuchova, who will open this tie
facing Czech No. 2 Lucie Safarova.
"It is true that we have never faced each other in a real match, but we have
practised together a couple of times, so we will see what the match brings,"
said Safarova.
Hantuchova remarked "First of all I have to put everything aside and focus on
my game, play good tennis and do my best to win the first point for us."
Vaidisova to catch-up
The second singles rubber on Saturday will see Slovak No. 2 Dominika Cibulkova
facing a hard challenge as she takes on Nicole Vaidisova, currently ranked No.8
in the world. The newly-appointed Czech captain will be relying mainly on the
aptitude of his step-daughter who can pride herself on her impressive 7-1 Fed
Cup singles record . "I love playing for my country and will do whatever it
takes to take the Czech republic to the next round,“ said Vaidisova.
No gift-swapping expected on Sunday
On Sunday the sold-out Sibamac Arena will eagerly expect the clash of titans
as both No. 1 players will step on the court in what might be the pivotal
rubber of the tie. Both players will be celebrating their birthday in a couple
of days , but undoubtedly will fight for every single inch of clay to give
their country the edge in this prestigious encounter.
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