Australia’s female tennis players have a historic opportunity when they take on Belarus in the semi-finals of the Fed Cup this weekend. But you’d be forgiven for not having it on your radar.
In a week dominated by headlines featuring controversial sports figures, Australia’s semi-final appearance in the world’s premier women’s team tennis event may not seem quite so juicy.
But look a little deeper and it’s clear this weekend’s match-up is both historic and likely to be close.
For a start, it’s the first time Australia have got this far in the World Group of the Fed Cup since 2014, but if they can win this weekend in Brisbane they’ll really be winding back the clock.
The last time Australia reached the final of the tournament was way back in 1993. Back then it was still called the Federation Cup.
Around two decades before that, Evonne Goolagong led Australia to their last Fed Cup final win in 1974, against the US in Naples.
Since those glory days, European nations have set the pace in this tournament. Amazingly, the Czech Republic have won six of the last eight tournaments. The US are the only non-European team to lift the trophy since Australia’s 1974 triumph.
There’s no doubt this year’s return to the semis of the World Group – the tournament’s top level – coincides with Ash Barty’s meteoric rise.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Against the US in February, the plucky Queenslander played three times in two days, claiming both her singles rubbers before also winning her doubles match too.
At a time when Australian tennis desperately needs positive stories, Barty sets the standard.
Focused in her preparation and professional with the media, she also embodies fair play, something that some of our top male players have lacked in recent times.
Her top-ten ranking shows that you don’t need to distract your opponent every three or four games in order to win matches at the highest level.
But Barty and her team-mates – Daria Gavrilova, Sam Stosur and Priscilla Hon – won’t have it easy against Belarus.
Not only are Gavrilova and Stosur below their best at the moment, Belarus are packed with talent.
Aryna Sabalenka, ranked tenth in the world rankings, is in fine form and Victoria Azarenka is a two-time Australian Open champion who knows how to win Down Under.
The stage is set for a semi-final showdown of the highest quality.
Let’s hope Aussie sports fans turn off the footy for a moment this weekend and show the Fed Cup some love.
Scott Rea
Roar Pro
Good article Andre. I am a massive (tennis and) Fed Cup fan. Should be some high quality tennis with two current top ten players and two former Grand Slam title winners. Can't wait. Go Aussies.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Are you trying to lower expectations, Scott? Second favourites - Yes. Massive outsiders - no.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I'm surprised that they elected to put Stosur in for the singles. Obviously I have no knowledge of how she and Gavrilova have been in practice, but the obvious doubles pairing would be Barty & Stosur so that would mean both of them having a heavy load - physically and emotionally. Of course that assumes the match goes down to the wire and neither team goes 3-0 up.
Max Mayer
Roar Guru
Tremendous opportunity for the Aussies this weekend. Stosur needs to at least be competitive in her matches in order to try and relieve some of the pressure on Barty's shoulders. On a side note, congrats to Astra Sharma for her big run to a first WTA final in Colombia last week. She will almost certainly be named in the next Fed Cup squad given the inconsistency of both Stosur and Gavrilova in singles this year and the fact that Ajla Tomljanovic is seemingly still ineligible to play for Australia.
Crock' O' Clock
Roar Rookie
All will be forgiven if Sammy can play above her station, and help the great Ash Barty pull of the upset. Gavrilova is definitely no mug with a tennis racquet either. Giddy up girls!!
Simoc
Guest
Azerenka just won her first tournament in ages so confidence will be high but Barty may have her measure at this stage. It should be a close contest and may be decided in the doubles.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah Andrew - looking forward to this. Think Australia come in as massive outsiders. Probably the same deal as in the US - Barty has to win all three of her matches for us to get through.