Saturday Fed Cup World Group I Match-ups
Posted on April 23, 2005Russia at Italy: Schiavone (ITA) vs. Safina (RUS), Garbin (ITA) vs. Dementieva (RUS)
The spotty Russian Dinara "Little Sis" Safina is given a shot at the bigs over Nadia Petrova and Elena Bovina. Italy would have a better shot with Silvia Farina Elia, who says she has no interest in Fed Cup, and Flavia Penetta who withdrew with injury.
Belgium at U.S.: Davenport (USA) vs. Vanhyfte (BEL), V.Williams (USA) vs. Callens (BEL)
"I think we're playing probably against the best team ever that stepped on a court for a Fed Cup tie, so we need to be realistic," said Belgian captain Carl Maes, already throwing in the towel. "We look more towards this week as a preparation almost for the next ties." Or more like, preparation for Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne to step back into the fold. Venus steps in for the injured Serena (ankle) in singles.
Argentina at Spain: Llagostera Vives (ESP) vs. Dulko (ARG), Medina Garrigues (ESP) vs. Salerni (ARG)
Play the pronunciation game with the two teams that don't have a chance of reaching the Fed Cup final.
France at Austria: Meusburger (AUT) vs. Dechy (FRA), Paszek (AUT) vs. Mauresmo (FRA)
Mary Pierce rides the pine for France against the ultra-low powered Austrians.
The spotty Russian Dinara "Little Sis" Safina is given a shot at the bigs over Nadia Petrova and Elena Bovina. Italy would have a better shot with Silvia Farina Elia, who says she has no interest in Fed Cup, and Flavia Penetta who withdrew with injury.
Belgium at U.S.: Davenport (USA) vs. Vanhyfte (BEL), V.Williams (USA) vs. Callens (BEL)
"I think we're playing probably against the best team ever that stepped on a court for a Fed Cup tie, so we need to be realistic," said Belgian captain Carl Maes, already throwing in the towel. "We look more towards this week as a preparation almost for the next ties." Or more like, preparation for Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne to step back into the fold. Venus steps in for the injured Serena (ankle) in singles.
Argentina at Spain: Llagostera Vives (ESP) vs. Dulko (ARG), Medina Garrigues (ESP) vs. Salerni (ARG)
Play the pronunciation game with the two teams that don't have a chance of reaching the Fed Cup final.
France at Austria: Meusburger (AUT) vs. Dechy (FRA), Paszek (AUT) vs. Mauresmo (FRA)
Mary Pierce rides the pine for France against the ultra-low powered Austrians.