Fiji at the 2001 Federation Cup

Federation Cup is one of the most renowned tennis events for women. Like Davis Cup, Federation Cup is a team event but it is played between national women’s teams. It kicked off in the year 1963 so as to mark the 50th anniversary of ITF (International Tennis Federation). Fiji made its maiden appearance in the tournament in the year 1999 from Asia – Oceania Zone and could finish sixth in the zone. Fiji at the 2001 Federation Cup made its third appearance in the tournament.

Fiji at the 2001 Federation Cup participated in the tournament from Asia – Oceania Zone and was placed in group 2 along with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Syria. Fiji met Hong Kong, China in the opening round robin tie at Kaohsiung, Taiwan on outdoor hard surface. It was tough going for inexperienced Fiji team. They went down to Hong Kong, China by 3-0. Their next tie was against Singapore. Fiji did put some resistance but could not put down Singapore’s powerful attack and lost the tie by 2-1. With this defeat Fiji was placed in the Play off round of the zone where they met Sri Lanka and Syria. Both the opponents were much strong and experienced than Fiji. Fiji exerted their strength to record victory but failed. Sri Lanka and Syria hammered 2-1 victory over Fiji in the Play off rounds.

Fiji at the 2001 Federation Cup tried its strength from Asia – Oceania Zone. The inexperienced Fiji team looked helpless before Hong Kong in the first round robin tie. They did put some resistance in the second round robin tie against Singapore but unfortunately could not see victory. Their efforts could not fetch victory in the play off rounds. Fiji was overpowered by Sri Lanka and Syria in the Play off rounds.