Anne Keothavong hopes naming an unchanged side for Great Britain’s Fed Cup clash with Romania will work in their favour as they aim for a spot in next year’s World Group II.
Team captain Keothavong has named Johanna Konta, Heather Watson, Laura Robson and Jocelyn Rae in her team to face Romania in the coastal town of Costanta, on April 22-23 – the same quartet that helped Britain progress from the Euro/Africa Zone Group I event in February.
Keothavong feels that no changes needed to be made to the team, after putting in a strong performance to escape from the Group I weekend.
The 33-year-old is wary that Romania will be a threat, but is confident her team can get the desired result.
"Romania has a first class team and will have home advantage on their best surface. We are very much the underdogs,” she said.
“That being said, we have an excellent team spirit with lots of combined Fed Cup experience, added to the fact that women’s tennis has not had a higher profile in the UK in nearly 40 years.”
Keothavong took over from Judy Murray as team captain for the event in February, and is no stranger to the Fed Cup herself having been the second youngest British player to compete in the competition – going on to rack up 39 appearances in her career.
"Fed Cup is a unique privilege to wear your nation’s colours and it’s something I know all of our team takes great pride in,” the former British number one explained.
“This is the first time in four years we are in this position and I know everyone is excited by the opportunity.
"Heather and Laura have both been ranked inside the world’s Top 40 and 30 respectively, Johanna is playing the best tennis of her career right now with only six women on the planet ranked better than her and we have a solid doubles player in Joss Rae.” Full squad (age - world ranking - Fed Cup tied played): Johanna Konta (25 - 7 - 14) Heather Watson (24 - 110 - 26) Laura Robson (23 - 209 - 12) Jocelyn Rae (26 - 105 [doubles] - 12)
Sportsbeat 2017