Brisbane to host Australia's Fed Cup semi

Brisbane will host Australia's Fed Cup semi-final next month against Belarus.

Barty

Ashleigh Barty spearheads Australia's Fed Cup team for their semi-final in Brisbane with Belarus. (AAP)

Hometown hero Ash Barty will lead the way as Australia's bid to win the Fed Cup for the first time in 45 years continues next month in Brisbane.

Pat Rafter Arena will be the venue for Australia's first Fed Cup semi-final since 2014 - against Belarus on April 20 and 21.

Queenslander Barty was pivotal in Australia booking their last-four spot in February when the team overcame the United States 3-2 in North Carolina.

Next month's tie will be played on a hard court despite speculation it might have been converted to a dirt surface ahead of the European clay season.

It's the first time Australia have faced Belarus, whose team features world No.9 Aryna Sabalenka, grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka and 2018 Brisbane International finalist Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

"The whole team, led by Ash, worked hard for the win over the USA and I can honestly say that winning the tie was one of the highlights of my career," Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik said.

"Belarus has a group of incredibly strong players and we expect them to be tough.

"But we also know we'll have terrific support from the fans and look forward to a great turnout in Brisbane."

As well as world No.12 Barty, Australia's team against the USA also featured fellow Queenslanders Kimberly Birrell and Priscilla Hon and Victorian Daria Gavrilova.

Long-time former spearhead Samantha Stosur could also be an option to face Belarus.

The other semi-final is between France and Romania.

FED CUP SEMIS FAST FACTS:

* The tie will mark the first meeting between Australia and Belarus

* Australia last reached the Fed Cup semifinals in 2014, losing 3-1 to Germany

* Australia are looking to earn a place in the Fed Cup World Group final for the first time since 1993 and last won the tournament in 1974.


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Source: AAP


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Brisbane to host Australia's Fed Cup semi | SBS News