• Fed Cup

Team GB pull Sweden out of the hat

ESPN staff
February 14, 2012
Judy Murray's team won all four of their ties in Israel two weeks ago © Getty Images
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Great Britain have been drawn against Sweden in their World Group II play-off, with Judy Murray's Fed Cup team playing away from home.

Murray's side came through the Europe/Africa Zone I round-robin in Israel recently, beating Austria in their final tie.

The GB squad has missed out on a home clash and will travel to Sweden on the weekend of April 21 and 22.

Should they overcome Sweden, who were seeded third out of Britain's four potential opponents, a place in World Group II - the second tier in the Fed Cup - awaits.

Sweden boast two top-100 players - Johanna Larsson is No. 62 and Sofia Arvidsson is ranked No. 74 - but the remainder of their squad is made up of players ranked outside the world's top 500. Elena Baltacha is Britain's highest-ranked member (61), with Anne Keothavong (89) also in the top 100, while Heather Watson - the world No. 109 - and Laura Robson (120) continue to knock on the door.

"Sweden's top two players are similar in ranking to our top two players, so it should be an interesting match-up," said Murray.

"Heather Watson and Laura Robson are very close to them in rankings as well, so we have strength in depth which is a big advantage as the play-offs are best of five rubbers over two days.

"We are looking forward to it as it's a big opportunity for GB to grab a place in World Group II."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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