Alicia Molik: 'Last Fed Cup final at home carries special significance'
The first edition of the Fed Cup Finals will take place in Budapest between April 14-19, 2020, with 12 nations fighting for the crown on clay at the Laszlo Papp Budapest Sports Arena. In the last "regular" Fed Cup final, Australia will host France in Perth between November 9-10, seeking the first title since 1974 in front of the home fans. World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty and experience Samantha Stosur should lead the Aussie squad, with the remaining players hoping to earn the invitation from the captain Alicia Molik and defend the national colors while chasing the crown they have been missing for almost half a century. The 24-year-old Astra Sharma is among the candidates as well, making notable progress so far in 2019 and looking forward to representing her country in one of the most important encounters in a career for them all.
"Astra has had a rock-solid year and it has been pleasing to see her rise over the past 24 months," Molik said. "Astra is a great player, her athleticism is always exciting to watch and has such a dynamic game; she has so much to gain as a tennis player and her best tennis is yet to come. The Fed Cup final is set on a surface that we are very familiar with, it is the last one at home for a long time with the change of format next year and that brings an extra significance. We have had great leaders, great players who set the scene before us and we want to be like them, we want to be like Evonne and the rest of her team and leave a legacy for Australia. Ashleigh Barty loves playing for Australia and loves being a part of our team and compete on the big stage when she can throw on the green and gold. She has brought moments of brilliance in every Fed Cup tie."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/33YedTw
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