Week #5 preview: Fed Cup

Russia will start the defense of the Fed Cup title in Moscow, led by Top-10 Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, and will be the strong favorite against China, led by Jie Zheng and Zi Yan. Close tie in Orleans between France, led by Alize Cornet and Amelie Mauresmo, and Italy, led by Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone. USA, with the absence of the Williams Sisters, will trust in Bethanie Mattek and Jill Craybas to overcome Argentina, led by Gisela Dulko. Finally, a strong Czech Republic team with Benesova, Kvitova and Safarova will play against the always dangerous Spanish team, led by Australian Open quarter-finalist Carla Suarez.

In the World Group II, 8 countries will look for a place in the Worls Group play-offs. Serbian dream team, with Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, shouldn't have many difficulties to overcome Japan. A strong Slovak team with Dominika Cibulkova and Daniela Hantuchova is also the strong favorite against Belgium. Ukraine, led by the Bondarenko sisters, will try to overcome Israel, led by Shahar Peer. Finally, Switerzland, led by Patty Schnyder and Timea Bacsinszky, will host the most uncertain tie against a very dangerous German team led by Sabine Lisicki.

World Group, 1st Round
Russia v China
France v Italy
USA v Argentina
Czech Republic v Spain

World Group II, 1st Round
Slovak Republic v Belgium
Switzerland v Germany
Serbia v Japan
Ukraine v Israel