Thursday, January 12, 2017

GB captain Anne Keothavong includes Johanna Konta in Fed Cup squad

Johanna Konta has been included in Great Britain
Johanna Konta has been included in Great Britain's Fed Cup squad for February's matches in Estonia

Anne Keothavong has named Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Laura Robson in her first Fed Cup squad as Great Britain captain.

Jocelyn Rae is the fourth member of Keothavong's first squad, with the Lawn Tennis Association leaving their options open for the final slot.

Keothavong took over from Judy Murray as Fed Cup captain in December, and backed high-flying Konta, who broke into the world's top 10 last year, as a real threat.

Captain Judy Murray with 16-year-old Katie Swan during Great Britain
Captain Judy Murray with 16-year-old Katie Swan during Great Britain's tie with Belgium in 2015

"In Johanna Konta we are lucky to have a player who is at the very top of the game right now, and she will make a formidable opponent for any player," said Keothavong. 

"Along with Jo we have fantastic experience in Heather and Laura, with nearly 40 Fed Cup rubbers between them, and Joss Rae gives us a strong doubles option.

Great Britain will add one more player to their team on February 7, the day before starting their three-day Europe/Africa Group 1 tie in Tallinn.

Great Britain 2015 Fed Cup team of (left to right) Freya Christie, Katie Swan, captain Judy Murray, Heather Watson, Anna Smith and Jocelyn Rae
Great Britain 2015 Fed Cup team of (left to right) Freya Christie, Katie Swan, captain Judy Murray, Heather Watson, Anna Smith and Jocelyn Rae

"There are some great personalities in this line up and a robust team spirit will be key to supporting us through this tricky format," Keothavong added.

"We are not underestimating the challenge in front of us, there are strong nations in this group, and our ambition has to be to progress and take this team where it belongs, into the World Group."

The draw for the Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 round-robin takes place on January 16, with matches held from February 8 to 10.

Pool winners will then contest promotion play-offs on February 11, with victorious nations then progressing to World Group II play-offs in April.

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