Introduction
Fed Cup is a prestigious women’s Tennis Tournament conducted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Started in 1963 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Fed Cup was earlier known as Federation Cup till1995 when it got its name shortened to Fed Cup. Fed Cup has special significance for professional women tennis players as they get a chance to play for the pride and honor of their countries. Or else these players are busy with slew of professional tournaments.
Fed Cup History
The History Of Fed Cup has an interesting tale.
The credit for having this top-class tournament, where a majority of world’s best women tennis stars play for the honor of their countries, is shared by Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman, Nell Hopman and by Mary Hardwick Hare.
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The Growth of the Fed Cup
The first Federation Cup was played in 1963 with 16 nations at Queen’s Club, London. There was no prize money and no sponsorship for the tournament then. All the teams were expected to bear their own expenses. Despite that, star players like Billie Jean King, Margaret Smith, Lesley Turner and Darlene Hard were some of the renowned players who graced the tennis courts.
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The Format of the Fed Cup
The Format Of The Fed Cup has been changed several times owing to the increasing number of participants. In fact, in 1995 many changes were made in the Fed Cup format.
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Fed Cup Structure
World Group: Next year’s World Group is decided a year ahead. The four nations who will win their first round matches this year will qualify for the next year’s World Group. Meanwhile, the four losers of the first round will play the World Group play-offs matches with the four winning teams from World Group II.
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Current Champion
Italy had lifted the glittering Fed Cup trophy for the year 2006 by defeating Belgium 3-2. However, this year’s final between defending champion Italy and Russia will take place on September 15th-16th.
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