Title: Justine WILL play Fed Cup Final
welshboy91 - September 9, 2006 08:52 AM (GMT)
liam_valid - September 13, 2006 09:42 PM (GMT)
I still predict the Italians will win the other 3 rubbers though
GS2 - September 14, 2006 08:34 AM (GMT)
It's an interesting one - you'd expect Henin-Hardenne to win her two rubbers but then it's all a bit up in the air.
Flipkens has been playing well recently - qualifying for the last three slams but she's still outside the top 100 and really Schiavone & Pennetta should be too good for her.
In Belgium's favour the faster surface should benefit Flipkens rather than the Italians & both Schiavone & Pennetta have been in average form recently - Pennetta had to pull out of the US Open with injury so that may still be bothering her.
If it goes down to the doubles you'd have to favour Italy since they are the better doubles players. Apart from the dead doubles rubber against Russia earlier this year I can't remember the last time Justine played doubles.
I think Belgium have a slight edge as two of the rubbers seem pretty much definite to go their way in which case they only have to win one of the remaining three.
Without doubt Justine has to win both her singles matches or it's all over.
GS2 - September 15, 2006 11:20 AM (GMT)
Draw for the weekend
Saturday
Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) v Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL) v Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Sunday
Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL) v Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) v Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Leslie Butkiewicz/Caroline Maes (BEL) v Mara Santangelo/Roberta Vinci (ITA)
Probably good for Belgium that Henin plays the first match of Sunday - means she gets some rest before the doubles. If it goes down to the doubles they are bound to chuck her in the side.
GS2 - September 15, 2006 11:51 AM (GMT)
Belgium (s)
v
USA ©
Russia (s) ©(*)
v
Spain
Japan
v
France (s) ©
China
v
Italy (s) ©(*)
(s) = seeded nation
© = choice of ground
Next years Fed Cup draw.
With the USA having choice of ground I really can't see Clijsters or Henin playing the 1st round tie. After all who wants to go the way to the US (& probably play on hard court) just before the start of the European clay court season.
Russia & France should both make it through their matches without too much trouble. China v Italy could go either way.
petalp - September 15, 2006 10:57 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (chairman @ Sep 15 2006, 08:27 PM) |
| Justine is an ugly witch and the quicker Kim gets back the better. |
Watch your step Chairman.. this is not the beeb board, best to keep your nasty comments about players to yourself when posting here..