Fed Cup 2019: Great Britain desperate for home tie in April's play-off
Britain booked their place in April's tie thanks to a drama-filled Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 play-off win over Serbia on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Great Britain Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong is desperate for another home tie when the World Group II play-off draw is made on Tuesday.
Britain booked their place in April's tie thanks to a drama-filled Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 play-off win over Serbia on Saturday.
Johanna Konta recovered from collapsing midway through her singles match with Aleksandra Krunic to seal a 2-0 win in the best-of-three encounter after Katie Boulter had put GB 1-0 up.
Konta, who said she had an out-of-body experience, spent over 10 hours on court over the space of the tournament at the University of Bath as she and Boulter both won all of their singles matches.
Part of their success was down to the partisan support in what was Britain's first home Fed Cup tie since 1993.
April's event will be their fifth World Group II play-off since 2012 and the previous four ties have all been away from home.
Having seen what difference a home tie can make, Keothavong is hoping the draw is kind.
"I mean surely the odds now..." the captain said. "It makes a huge difference. Weeks like this no-one will forget, and it makes a huge difference.
"We do deserve a home tie. The girls deserve it, that's what they want, I don't care who we're up against.
"We can field a fit and strong team and play in front of such a supportive crowd, then it makes the week even more special."
With Konta and Boulter both producing the goods across the week in testing circumstances, Konta hopes it will stand them in good stead, whoever they draw in the next stage.
"I think it has got as good a chance as every other team we have had," she said of the team.
"We have always done well with the team we have produced.
"To be honest, we haven't had the opportunity to come through yet. This team is prepared and after a battle like this, it can only draw from the experience.
"We will give this another shot and hopefully it will be our time. If not, we will keep going until it is."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments