The 15th Fed Cup clash between the USA and Australia will take place at the US Cellular Arena in Asheville, serving as the festival of youth with nine players born between 1993 and 1998 fighting in the World Group first round.
18-time champions and last years runner-ups, the Americans are undefeated at home since 2014 and they will seek the tenth win over Australia, playing most of their matches during the 60s and 70s. Madison Keys, the Australian Open semi-finalist Danielle Collins, Sofia Kenin and Nicole Melichar will defend the colors of the USA against a strong Aussie team, with the captain Alicia Molik counting on Ashleigh Barty, Daria Gavrilova, Priscilla Hon, Kimberly Birrell and Astra Sharma.
The 22-year-old Barty has been one of the best players of the season so far, defeating Garbine Muguruza and Alize Cornet at Hopman Cup before reaching the final in Sydney and the quarter-final at the Australian Open as the first Aussie girl in ten years.
Gavrilova will play the Fed Cup for the fourth straight year while Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon are waiting for the opportunity to make a debut in the national jersey. The 20-year-old Kimberly Birrell had a chance to play for Australia back in 2016 and she earned the invitation after a great run in Melbourne where she reached the third round.
With an in-form Sofia Kenin and Danielle Collins, this promises to be a great clash and the one to watch in ten-day time. This is a quality team and Im very happy with our selection, .
Ash has had an incredible summer and she loves the Fed Cup team environment. Its very exciting to see her step into a leadership role and I know shell set the standard in terms of professionalism. Dasha is also a great team player and is motivated to start the year well.
She and Ash will be happy to share their knowledge with our talented young group of Priscilla, Kim and Astra. Theyve all had tremendous experience over the summer and deserve this opportunity to represent their country.
We are really thrilled to be back in the World Group for the first time since 2015, this tie is a great opportunity for the girls to prove the strength of womens tennis in Australia right now and I think its going to be a great battle.
I know well be up against the crowd, but I encourage any Aussie fans who will be in the US to come down and show your support for the team, itll be a really entertaining tie and Im sure the team will make Australia proud.
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