Ana will kick-off Serbia’s Fed Cup challenge against Russia in Belgrade on Saturday after she was drawn to play the opening match of the tie against world No.4 Svetlana Kuznetsova. The match will represent Serbia’s first ever appearance in World Group I of the team competition.
“It’s good to play first on,” said Ana, who will face the Russian at 4pm Central European Time (10am Eastern Time).
“I’ll know the time of my match and I’ll have time to prepare.
Ana leads the head-to-head series with Kuznetsova 5-2 but four of those wins have come in straight sets. Ana said: “We always have very tough matches.
“In some ways we have a similar game, we both favour our forehand. She’s playing really well at the moment and she looks fit. I expect a very tough match.”
Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, has won the Fed Cup no fewer than three times and, considering her lofty ranking, will go into the match as favourite.
“It’s always great to play for your country and I love this competition,” commented the Russian.
“It’s great to be in this team and I’m definitely looking forward to the weekend.”
Jelena Jankovic will take on Russian No.2 Alisa Kleybanova in the second rubber of the day, immediately following Ana’s match.
On Sunday the reverse singles rubbers take place, with Jankovic meeting Kuznetsova at 2pm Central European Time (8am Eastern Time), followed by Ana versus Kleybanova.
The doubles rubber – Ana and Jelena are scheduled to team up against Anastasia Pavluychenkova and Vera Dushevina – would decide the tie if it is 2-2 after the singles rubbers.
For live-point-by-point scoring please visit the official Fed Cup website
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