Gavrilova to make Fed Cup debut for Australia
Gavrilova has only been recently cleared to play for her new country
SYDNEY (AFP) - Russian-born Daria Gavrilova will make her Fed Cup debut for Australia this month in a World Group play-off against the United States, officials said Wednesday.
The 22-year-old is in the team along with Samantha Stosur, Casey Dellacqua and Arina Rodionova to play on April 16-17 for the right to rejoin the competition s elite World Group.
"We re thrilled for Dasha (Gavrilova) to make her Fed Cup debut for Australia on home soil next weekend and we know she ll bring great energy and a fighting spirit to the team," captain Alicia Molik said.
Gavrilova, only recently cleared to play for her new country, was a breakout star at this year s Australian Open -- making it to the fourth round -- and is currently ranked world number 37.
Molik said former US Open champion Stosur, ranked 26th in the world, would also enjoy the opportunity to play in her home town of Brisbane.
"The USA has been dominant in Fed Cup competition for many decades and we know it will be a tough assignment... but we re ready for the challenge and really looking forward to the tie," Molik added.
The clash is the 14th Fed Cup meeting between the nations, with the US ahead 8-5. It will be their first encounter since 1985.
