Eight teams, eight players to watch in Fed Cup

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Eight nations are competing in the Fed Cup World Group this weekend, and each team features a player whose performances could make or break the opportunity to advance to the next round.

Here’s a look at the players to watch in the quarterfinals, starting on Saturday.

1

Serena Williams, USA

She’s back: Williams makes her official return to competition this weekend as the U.S. hosts the Netherlands in Asheville, N.C. All eyes will be on her to see if what kinks might need to be worked out. This weekend will provide the perfect opportunity for the former world No. 1 to get her feet wet.

2

Demi Schuurs, the Netherlands

One of the best doubles players so far in 2018, Schuurs opened the season with titles in her first two tournaments. If the tie against the U.S. goes the distance, the Netherlands will have the highest-ranked doubles player between the two nations on its side.

3

Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Germany

While she likely won’t see any action until the last day of the tie against Belarus, the doubles veteran will be expected to fill a leadership role on the team. If the tie comes down to the doubles to determine the outcome, she’ll be the most experienced player on court, which could help playing in front of a partisan crowd.

4

Kristina Mladenovic, France

Where it looked like winning a match again wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, Mladenovic put an end to her double-digit skid by reaching the final in St. Petersburg. The reigning Australian Open doubles champ will have a heavy workload in front of her as France plays host to Belgium.

5

Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic

One word best describes the Czech team: loaded. Pliskova’s still leading the singles charge, but she hasn’t displayed much consistency over the past few months, especially as it seemed she would’ve captured a Grand Slam title by now. Switzerland should give the Czechs a solid test: Will Pliskova be up to the challenge?

6

Aryna Sabalenka, Belarus

No one could’ve predicted Belarus’ run to the final, especially with Victoria Azarenka out of the picture. The country starts another run this year as it hosts Germany, and Sabalenka will be back at the No. 2 spot. She pushed Belarus through to the final last year and even recorded a win over Sloane Stephens in the championship tie against the U.S.

7

Elise Mertens, Belgium

It’s already been a dream season for Mertens—and it’s only February. Like her opponent Mladenovic, Mertens could also see a lot of court time over the weekend. She’s shown her versatility in singles and doubles by playing perfectly in Hobart, and reaching the singles semis at the Australian Open.

8

Belinda Bencic, Switzerland

Though she still has a ways to go, Bencic has demonstrated she’s ready to get back into the Top 10. Her comeback from a wrist injury last year has been impressive, and she has not lost steam in 2018 with a Hopman Cup title and an upset of Venus Williams at the Australian Open.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias

This Week on Tennis Channel Plus 2/12

ATP Buenos Aires (Feb. 14-18)

-Watch Tennis Channel Plus live coverage of Dominic Thiem and Argentina Open beginning Monday February 12 at 12 p.m. ET.

-Can’t make it to Buenos Aires? Watch every match from the Argentina Open on-demand with Tennis Channel Plus.

ATP Rotterdam (Feb. 13-14)

-Don’t miss extended ATP Rotterdam Court 1 coverage live on Tennis Channel Plus Tuesday February 13 at 6 a.m. ET.

This Week on Tennis Channel Plus 2/12

ATP Buenos Aires (Feb. 14-18)

-Watch Tennis Channel Plus live coverage of Dominic Thiem and Argentina Open beginning Monday February 12 at 12 p.m. ET.

-Can’t make it to Buenos Aires? Watch every match from the Argentina Open on-demand with Tennis Channel Plus.

ATP Rotterdam (Feb. 13-14)

-Don’t miss extended ATP Rotterdam Court 1 coverage live on Tennis Channel Plus Tuesday February 13 at 6 a.m. ET.