The draw for the Fed Cup World Group II Playoffs was announced on Tuesday, meaning teams hoping to avoid relegation to the regional zones now know who is standing between them and staying in the World Group. Here is the breakdown of the Fed Cup World Group II Playoffs.
Serbia vs Belgium
Serbia was dominated in their World Group II tie, getting crushed by Spain. Belgium, on the other hand, was perfect in the Europe/Africa zone, winning all five of it’s rubbers to earn promotion. This pits two teams going in different directions against each other. Their tie will be played in Serbia.
Belgium leads their head-to-head 2-1, although they have never beaten Serbia as an independent nation, as both of their wins against “Serbia” were against Yugoslavia. The lone tie played between the two teams since Serbian independence came in 2012, when the Serbs narrowly edged the Belgians in Belgium.
The Belgians were without two of their top three during their run through the Europe/Africa zone, while the Serbs were only without their number two. However, the Serbs do boast more stars. If they can bring a full lineup to defend their home soil, the Belgians will have a hard time breaking out of the regional zone.
Slovakia vs Canada
Slovakia will get a second chance to defend their home turf after being beaten at home by Australia. They will host Canada hoping to stay in the World Group II. Both teams were beaten on home soil 3-2 on the weekend in the World Group II. This is the only tie featuring two teams who contested the World Group II, making it the only playoff tie guaranteeing that one World Group team will be sent down to the regional zone.
Canada and Slovakia has faced each other twice before, both times in playoffs. Slovakia swept Canada in the World Group I playoffs back in 1997, while Canada won their most recent meeting, at this very stage, back in 2004. The home team has won both of their previous ties.
This entire tie may depend on Canada’s lineup. Slovakia was at full strength this past weekend and was still defeated. Canada was without their lone top-300 player and they still forced a much stronger Belarus team to a deciding rubber. Francoise Abanda and Aleksandra Wozniak have shown the ability to play their best in the Fed Cup. If the Canadians bring Eugenie Bouchard in April, it could be a real tough battle.
Poland vs Chinese Taipei
Poland has been steadily sliding down the Fed Cup ladder over the last few years and now find themselves on the brink of falling into the Europe/Africa zone. A depleted Polish team, without the Radwanska sisters, were crushed by the Americans last week. Hoping to stay in the World Group II, they will host the surprise qualifiers, Chinese Taipei.
The two countries have played once before, back in 1980, when Poland swept Chinese Taipei. That tie was hosted in Germany. Chinese Taipei will once again be heading to Europe hoping for better luck this time around.
If Poland convinces the Radwanska sisters, specifically Agnieszka, to play, they should have no trouble disposing of their Asian opponents. Chinese Taipei did not send their strongest lineup to the Asia/Oceania group either so both teams at full strength could make for an interesting tie.
Argentina vs Ukraine
Both Argentina and Ukraine were successful in their respective regional zones, meaning one of them is guaranteed to realize their dream of advancing to the World Group II. Both were undefeated in their respective regions, meaning they will both be coming into the tie with momentum and confidence. Ukraine will be hosting, which means they get the crucial choice of surface, which can be key when playing a team from across the globe.
That being said, Ukraine dominated their lone previous meeting, which was played on clay, theoretically Argentina’s preferred surface, back in 2009. On that occasion, the Ukrainians went down to South America and swept the Argentinians 5-0.
The Ukrainian team boasts considerably more depth, they have seven players ranked above Argentina’s number one. Argentina does not have a player ranked inside the top 200, while the Ukrainians have three in the top 100 alone. Especially considering that they are playing at home, the Ukrainians have a massive advantage.
The World Group II playoffs will take place on April 16-17th, with the winners earning places in the World Group II for 2017. Which tie excites you the most?