The 2009 Fed Cup Draw has been released by the ITF. It's really weird to see Argentina in the World Group. I can't wait until 2010 when Serbia (hopefully) gets slotted in the World Group. That would make Fed Cup damn fun. Do I see a Serbia/Russia final in 2010? Here's hoping.
2008 World Group
Russia (1)(c) v. China P.R.
Italy (3) v. France (c)
Argentina v. USA (4)(c)*
Czech Republic (c) v. Spain (2)
Key
(c) = choice of ground
(*) = choice of ground decided by lot
Incidentally, if Lindsay and the Williamses don't play Fed Cup next year, is there any way that the US stays in the World Group? I'm sorry, but if you're relying on Ahsha Rolle, Vania King, and Bethanie Mattek to win the singles ties (we should be good on doubtles with Huber/Black) you're not relying on much. To me, Argentina, the U.S., and China are the bubble for next year.
2008 World Group II
Belgium (1) v. Slovak Repubic (c)
Germany (4) v. Switzerland (c)*
Serbia (c)* v. Japan (3)
Ukraine (c)* v. Israel (2)
Obviously Serbia looks like the class of the World Group, with Slovakia looking strong as well (Dani. H., Cibulkova, Benesova). It's also a VERY generous draw for the Serbs, as they'll be able to fly immediately home to Serbia after the AO instead of having to fly to Japan.
The first round ties will be played February 7-8, immediately after the AO.
