Fed Cup in Dubai in March: ITF

ITF named the new venue after moving out the matches from the then Chinese city of Dongguan due to the Coronavirus threat. The Asia/Oceania Group I matches were originally scheduled to be played between February 4 and 8.

“The event will be held in the week following the ATP Dubai tournament at the same venue, and will see six nations – China PR, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan – compete for places in the Fed Cup Play-offs in April,” said an ITF release.

The six teams will vie for two spots in the Fed Cup Play-offs. “Being in Dubai makes no difference. But the dates give enough time to Sania (Mirza) for her recovery. Doubles is an important point. Ankita (Raina) is playing well. The other team members will also get some tournaments to play under their belt,” said India’s Fed Cup captain Vishal Uppal.

Sania’s participation was under doubt due to a calf injury she aggravated during the Australian Open, where she pulled out of the mixed doubles event before retiring mid-way into her women’s doubles opening round match. “I think we have a good chance but we will have to be at our best and fight hard for every point, every game, every set and every match,” added Vishal.