By Erik Gudris | Friday, February 7, 2014

 

Opening round ties in Fed Cup World Group get underway this weekend with the spotlight on an intriguing tie between defending champions Italy versus a young U.S. team in Cleveland.

Photo Credit: US Fed Cup Team Twitter

Well known names and rising stars will all be on hand to compete for their countries this weekend in Fed Cup. Here's a quick preview of what to expect.

Italy vs. U.S.A., Indoor Hard, Cleveland

When this tie was first announced, it was expected that Serena Williams would lead the U.S. against an experienced Italian quartet backed up by top doubles team Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci. But injuries and a desire to rest from those veterans now sees both squads fielding a multitude of players making their Fed Cup debuts. The young U.S. team may be missing Williams, but they now have to carry the responsibility of winning this tie.

By virtue of playing at home, the U.S. enters as a slight favorite. Christina McHale is the lone player for the U.S with Fed Cup experience and she will need to win her opening singles rubber. Madison Keys, making her Fed Cup debut, will no doubt like playing indoors, as it favors her big serve.

But don't count out the Italians. Camila Giorgi may be the wildcard in this one despite her being a very talented if not also a very inconsistent player. Her singles rubber against Keys will probably be the key match in this one. The U.S. has a huge opportunity to advance into the next round, but only if they can hold their nerves when the pressure is on.

Pick: U.S. 3-2

Spain vs. Czech Republic, Outdoor Clay, Seville

Always a favorite to go deep each year, the Czech Republic takes their group on the road to face Spain. With Petra Kvitova out due to injury, the pressure is on Klara Zakopalova to be the clutch player in singles.

Spain will rely heavily on the stylish one-handed backhand of Carla Suarez Navarro to hopefully squeeze out her singles matches. This tie could easily end up being decided in the doubles with the edge going to the Czechs thanks to having Lucie Safarova and Andrea Hlavackova in the wings if needed. Can Spain pull off the upset?

Pick: Czechs 3-2

Slovak Republic vs. Germany, Indoor Hard, Bratislava

This tie featuring several marquee names could be the most fun contest of the weekend. Still on a high after reaching the Australian Open finals, Dominika Cibulkova leads the Slovaks into battle. She's backed up by veteran Daniela Hantuchova, and that alone would seem to give the Slovaks the advantage as they play at home.

But Germany is fielding a deep team again led by Angelique Kerber and Andrea Petkovic. If Petkovic can beat Cibulkova in the first singles rubber, the Germans might not need to rely on a recently resurgent Julia Goerges partnering with doubles specialist Anna-Lena Groenefeld to close it out. Expect this to be a highly charged tie full of "Pome!"

Pick Germany 3-2

Australia vs. Russia, Outdoor Hard, Hobart

Though their overall head to head is 3-all, this tie is decidedly in the hands of Australia. Fielding a packed squad led by Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua and young Ash Barty, it's hard seeing Russia doing much damage here. Especially when Russia's highest ranked player competing is No. 158 Irina Khromacheva.

Pick: Australia 5-0

World Group II Ties:

Canada vs. Serbia, Indoor Hard, Montreal

Without their big stars Ana Ivanovic or Jelena Jankovic on hand, Serbia will have to hope their team players collectively ranked outside the top 100 can do the job. Expect Canada's Eugenie Bouchard to shine once again.

Pick: Canada 4-1

Sweden vs. Poland, Indoor Hard, Boras

Agnieszka Radwanska will lead her Polish team against an always tough Swedish squad playing at home. Sofia Arvidsson will have to figure out a way to beat Radwanska for her team to have a chance in this one.

Pick: Poland 4-1

France vs. Switzerland, Indoor Hard, Paris

French No. 1 Alize Cornet will be backed up by veteran Virginie Razzano in what could be a tight tussle with the Swiss. Watch for young Belinda Bencic to perhaps steal the show this weekend.

Pick: France 3-2

Argentina vs. Japan, Outdoor Clay, Buenos Aires

Hard to go against the Argentines playing at home on their favorite dirt.

Pick: Argentina 4-1