Tennis News From The FED CUP From Bath, United Kingdom

By April Tod

 

Last Sunday saw over a 100 youngsters arrive at Bath University’s Sports Village to take part in a specially arranged tennis session alongside Team GB’s Jo Konta, Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Katie Swan and team captain Anne Keothavong. Also giving a helping hand were doubles specialists Anna Smith and Samantha Murray. During the two hour session youngsters were given tips on grips and hitting soft red and yellow tennis balls. “It was a wonderful experience for my two children, they really enjoyed themselves and are now determined to learn to play,” one thrilled mum told me.

 

The LTA has worked hard to ensure this week’ Federation Cup is a success – it’s as important to the LTA as it is to the University of Bath.  LTA’s head of tennis Scott Lloyd is thrilled to be hosting the Fed Cup on home territory, and says, “We are delighted to bring the Fed Cup tie to Bath which gives us the opportunity to put international women’s team tennis on the map in a city renowned for its sporting heritage”.

 

Indeed the historic city of Bath is taking everything in their stride and delighted to be associated with such a prestigious event having won the bid from several venues which were also interested in hosting the Cup.

 

Bath University’s Director of Sport, Steven Baddley also over the moon the University is playing such an important role in hosting the event, particularly as it is 26 years since the last Fed Cup was played in this country. “It’s a real source of pride to have been selected to host this year’s Federation Cup. We have a thriving Tennis Academy at the home of Team Bath which includes hundreds of regular players from beginners to tour professionals who will all be keen to support the world cup of women’s tennis”.

 

Playing for Team GB are 27 year old Johanna Konta, once ranked as high as 4 in the world,  together with 26 year old Heather Watson, ranked  110 – both are experienced Federation Cup players. On the other hand Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart, both aged 22, have limited Fed Cup experience.  Both are relatively new guns in the British team along with rookie Katie Swan, who at the age of 19 is the team’s youngest player and currently ranked 177 in the world.

 

The Sports Village tennis centre has been transformed from eight courts into two courts with seating for up to 200 spectators on each court. On Wednesday February 6th play starts at 10 am and features Serbia against Georgia on Centre Court and Croatia against Turkey. Team GB plays in the afternoon on Centre Court and are drawn against Slovenia in the first round tie.