This year's Fed Cup will kick off round one of the World Group on Saturday, February 9 with eight countries vying for the title-the Czech Republic, Australia, Italy, USA, Russia, Japan, Serbia and the Slovak Republic. Returning champions, the Czech Republic, will compete to defend their title against Australia in the first round.
The tournament will feature several high-ranking players, including three top 10 seeded players, the Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (8), Australia's Samantha Stosur (9) and Italy's Sara Errani (7).
The winner of each matchup will move on straight to the semifinals held in April. The losers of the first round will go on to compete in the World Group Play-offs against the World Group II winners.
Russia and Japan will kick off the Fed Cup in Moscow for their first matchup together. Russia was defeated in last year's semifinal against Serbia, while Japan was readmitted into the World Group last year. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic returns after defeating Serbia in the finals last year. The team has made it to the finals for the past two years with the help of Petra Kvitova (8). Australia found its way back into the World Group after its wins over Switzerland and Germany.
Last year's second place holders Serbia will make another run for the finals, playing against the Slovak Republic in Nis, Serbia during the first round. The two teams will meet for the fourth time during the Fed Cup's first round. Lastly, the USA will face off against Italy in Rimini in what is a longstanding rivalry between the two.
World Group II matchups, consisting of Switzerland, Belgium, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, Ukraine, France and Germany, will also compete this upcoming weekend for their spots in the play-off round. The winners of the play-off round will then qualify for the World Group in 2014.
The Fed Cup kicks off Saturday, February 9 and will last until Sunday, February 10. To watch the matches live, head here.
Day 1 Schedules (World Group)-
Czech Republic vs. Australia: Cez Arena, Ostrava, Czech Republic (7 a.m. EST)
Italy vs. USA: 105 Stadium, Rimini, Italy (9 a.m. EST)
Russia vs. Japan: Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia (6 a.m. EST)
Serbia vs. Slovak Republic: Hala "CAIR", Nis, Serbia (8 a.m. EST)
Day 1 Schedules (World Group II)-
Switzerland vs. Belgium: Sporthalle Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland (7 a.m. EST)
Argentina vs. Sweden: Parque Roca, Buenos Aires, Argentina (12 p.m. EST)
Spain vs. Ukraine: Club Atlético Montemar, Allcante, Spain (5 a.m. EST)
France vs. Germany: Palais des Sports Beaublanc, Limoges, France (7:15 a.m EST)
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