Fed Cup: What's the losing streak in Perth?
France and Australia play for the Fed Cup title 2019 on the weekend. Both nations have been waiting for a long, sometimes very long, for a success.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 07, 2019, 04:51 pm
The big question in the Fed Cup over the last few years could well have been: Who can pick up second place in the final against the Czech Republic? Since 2011, the title went to Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, Barbora Strycova and Co. in the traditional team competition, most recently last year, when the Czech Republic clearly dominated the USA 3-0 in Prague.
This year, however, one of two losing streaks is over: either the French, who last succeeded in 2003 in Moscow. At that time in a final tournament of the best four nations and a 4-1 final victory against the USA. Or those of the Australians who have been waiting for a Fed Cup victory since 1974. By the way, at that time, I won in Naples, again in the context of a tournament. And almost naturally also against the USA.
Barty leads Australia
Ashleigh Barty and Co. enjoy home rights in Perth on Saturday and Sunday, who knows how long this will be. The final tournament of the men in Madrid will be watched with excitement, the ITF could imagine this format again for the women. However, only if the popularity of the audience is correspondingly large. The first ticket sales figures from Madrid make it rather doubtful.
In Perth, on the other hand, it can be expected that the charisma of the number one in the world drives the fans into the stadium. Ashleigh Barty has crowned her sensational season following her success in Miami and Roland Garros with the title at the WTA Finals, she must bring in case of doubt three points for Australia. Two in the singles - and then on the side of Samantha Stosur maybe also in the doubles.
On the other hand, knowing that the home advantage does not necessarily lead to the title, this knowledge should give the French women with Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia courage. Finally, the Fed Cup Final 2016 is still fresh in the memory. At that time France lost at home with 2: 3. Not surprising against the Czech Republic.