The second matchup of the Fed Cup's first round will pit 2012 finalist Serbia against the Slovak Republic. Serbia will not only have the experience of being last year's finalist but will hold home court advantage as it competes against the Slovak Republic at Hala "CAIR" in Nis, Serbia.
The first round matchup will be the fourth meeting between Serbia and the Slovak Republic. Serbia lost the first two meetings before winning the 2011 World Group Play-offs in a doubles victory led by the Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic, the official Fed Cup website stated. While, Serbia played in last year's final against the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic can credit its victories over France and Spain for its spot in the World Group this year.
Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic (175) was scheduled to return along with teammates Ana Ivanovic (14), Bojana Jovanovski (39) and Vesna Dolonc (92). However, on Thursday, Ivanovic announced that she will not be participating due to a shoulder injury. No replacement has been announced. On the other side, No. 15-seeded Dominika Cibulkova is joined by teammates Daniela Hantuchova (58), Magdalena Rybarikova (55) and Jana Cepelova (98).
The winner of the matchup will move on to the semifinals in April and will compete against the winner of the Russia vs. Japan matchup. The loser of the matchup will head to the World Group Play-offs and will face one of the winners of the World Group II matchups for the chance to be in the World Group in 2014.
The Fed Cup kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 9 and will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 10. To watch the matches live, head here. Returning 2012 finalist Serbia will compete against the Slovak Republic in the first round of the tournament.
Serbia vs. Slovak Republic Matchup
Venue: Hala "CAIR", Nis, Serbia
Saturday (February 9): 1400 hrs (0800 hrs EST)
Sunday (February 10): 1200 hrs (0600 hrs EST)