By Erik Gudris | Friday, April 18, 2014

 

Along with World Group semifinal ties, several World Group playoffs kick off this weekend. That includes a must win tie for the U.S. versus France in St. Louis.

Photo Credit: AP

This weekend features not only World Group semifinal action but also a plethora of World Group playoff ties, including a too-close-to-call matchup between the U.S. and France. Here's a preview of what to expect.

World Group Semifinals
Czech Republic vs. Italy
Ostrava, Czech Republic
Head to Head: 5-4 Italy

Defending champions Italy find themselves facing off against an always formidable Czech team on an indoor hard court in the Czech Republic. That alone would seem to tip things in favor of the home team. Italy's Sara Errani will take on Lucie Safarova in the opening singles while the always streaky Petra Kvitova meets rising talent Camila Giorgi in a first-ever meeting. With both Giorgi and Kvitova known for blasting away scorching winners from all sides, the winner of that one could well determine the entire tie.

Errani will need to find something special this weekend. The plucky Italian just might, but playing on an indoor hard court won't help. The Czechs should have enough left-handed firepower that sends them into the final.

Pick: Czech Republic 4-1

World Group Semifinals
Australia vs. Germany
Brisbane, Australia
Head to Head: 8-4 Australia

The clay court swing may be kicking off in Europe, but both of these teams surprised many by deciding to have this tie, as per Fed Cup rules, all the way back down under in Brisbane. With each team hoping to reach their first final in over 20 years, the pressure will be on to justify the long trip.

The biggest question will be how Aussie No. 1 Sam Stosur handles it. Known for letting her nerves get to her at the Australian Open, Stosur will have a tough opening assignment against Charleston winner Andrea Petkovic. The reverse singles will see the recently rejuvenated Casey Dellacqua against lefty Angelique Kerber.

Doubles could well decide this one, with both countries fielding excellent teams in Dellacqua and Ash Barty for Australia and Julia Goerges with Anna-Lena Groenefeld. Expect this one to go the distance.

Pick: Germany 3-2

World Group Playoffs
U.S. vs. France
St. Louis, Missouri
Head to Head: 12-1 U.S.

The U.S. team will attempt to secure their spot back into the World Group next year as they face a tough French squad. Led by Sloane Stephens, the U.S. team includes Lauren Davis, Madison Keys and Christina McHale.

Stephens will start against Caroline Garcia, who just won her first WTA title in Bogota last week. Though Stephens has struggled of late, she will need to step up this weekend as her team's lead off player. Keys will then face France's No. 1 Alize Cornet, who herself beat Agnieszka Radwanska last week en route to winning the Katowice title. The indoor hard court should suit Keys' big serve, but only if she doesn't let her nerves get in the way.

France will be a difficult, but not insurmountable, opponent for the U.S. as long as the young players raise their level and embrace the task before them.

Pick: U.S. 3-2

Canada v. Slovak Republic

Eugenie Bouchard will lead her team against a Slovakian squad missing its country's top player in Dominika Cibulkova. Jana Cepelova, who upset Serena Williams en route to reaching the Charleston final, will be given top singles duties.

Pick: Canada 4-1

Russia v. Argentina

Last year's finalists Russia, led by Ekaterina Makarova, take on the Argentines as they aim to stay in the World Group.

Pick: Russia 4-1

Spain v. Poland

Agnieszka Radwanska will be the key to her Polish team overcoming Spain on an outdoor clay court in Barcelona.

Pick: Poland 4-1