France will face Italy in round one of this year's Fed Cup on Saturday.Amelie Mauresmo will take on Flavia Pennetta in the opening singles match, while French teenager Alize Cornet will face Francesca Schiavone in the second one.
Two of the four longest-serving Fed Cup nations will clash in Orleans, France this weeked. Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo will spearhead the French team. France's highest ranked player for this tie is 18-year-old Alize Cornet. Two other team members are doubles' players Severine Bremond and Nathalie Dechy.
Compared to the French team, the Italians are more exprienced. They are 2006 Fed Cup winning champions Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.The Italians defeated France on clay in 2006 and 2007, that's why France have chosen a hardcourt venue for this match. Mauresmo will begin the tie to take on world number 12 Pennetta. With Mauresmo playing, France won't be too affected by the absence of their number one player, Marion Bartoli -- who's ranked 11 in the WTA standings. She pulled out because her father wasn't allowed to take part in the coaching set-up.
Amelie Mauresmo of France, said, "Well I'm trying to give as much as I can for this team. It's always been the case when I am in (the Fed Cup team) I try to give my best. Plus, starting on the first day I will definitely try to put the French team on the right move so it doesn't really matter, I guess, who's here or not it's just really a matter of getting those three points that we need for the weekend."
Flavia Pennetta of Italy, said, "Well, you know we (the Italy team) know each other very well. It's already a long time that we have played together and we are very friendly to each other, you know. We know how we have to speak with one another. How we have to say everything when we are on the court so so its very important for me to stay with them."
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