Alicia Molik: 'Fed Cup final should bring great tennis, can't wait for it'
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 experienced Samantha Stosur should lead the Aussie squad together with Ajla Tomljanovic, Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon, allowing the captain Alicia Molik to choose the best possible line-up that should fight for the prestigious title.
Molik is excited about the upcoming final, thrilled with Ashleigh Barty's incredible season and the WTA Finals crown she claimed on Sunday. Also, Molik praised Stosur for her results this season, expecting the same fire and dedication from the rest of the squad in what seems to be a perfect opportunity for the Aussies to win the title after almost 50 years of waiting. Also, Alicia had some kind words for the French team, highlighting their quality and experience and hoping for two great days of tennis in Perth during the next weekend.
"This is what we've worked incredibly hard for the last couple of years, and now a home final — it's pretty exciting," Molik said in Perth. "The format changes next year, so for us to have a final in Australia, it's pretty amazing. Ash's success the past number of months, at the French Open and now obviously a massive win yesterday, there'll be a lot of interest in this team and I think a lot of support. It's exciting too to have Ajla in the team for the first time. We have a rich history and we want to continue that rich history and the results that come with it. I'm just really impressed with the way Ash has tackled this year. Last week for the finals in Shenzhen, when everyone's thinking about a break, Ash also has the Fed Cup final (ahead of her) and finishing off on another high note this week. I think she'll ease into the week – she's had a pretty intense week in China with a lot of big-time, big-pressure matches.
So I know she'll love getting home to Australia too, there's nothing like it. Sam had an amazing tournament too in Shenzhen. She's been in great form all year, won the Australian Open and carried her form in doubles right through this year. Ajla is one of the most dangerous players on tour, she has a game that more than match it with the best in the world. It's going to be a tough decision on Thursday, as to who will be playing for us on the weekend. I'm pleased with my perspective as a captain, I have a lot of options and that's the ideal situation. We're excited about our prospects on the weekend.
The French team is very strong, Mladenovic has been playing some great doubles right throughout the year, has won a few Slams. I've also enjoyed watching the rise of Fiona Ferro, not many people are familiar with her on the tennis court but she's an imposing young player who had some great results, particularly in the US Open. They also have a lot of experience — they've made several Fed Cup finals in the last six or seven years. So they know what it feels like, they know how to bring their best tennis on occasion, and they'll be a pretty tough team for us to beat on the weekend. It's going to be great tennis. They are great competitors; I feel like we are the same. I think it's going to be a brilliant display."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2K7eOej
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