The United States and Czech Republic will battle this weekend in Prague for the 2018 Fed Cup title. The U.S. team dominates in the head-to-head record, 10-2, with the two teams having played against each other in the final two previous times, in 1985 and '86.
But, this weekend could see the Czech team take the trophy thanks in part to a weakened American team. Only one player, Danielle Collins, is inside the Top 50 in singles. Top Americans Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, Serena and Venus Williams are missing the final so three rookies are making their debut: Collins, world No. 52 Sofia Kenin and doubles world No. 15 Nicole Melichar. They're joined by veteran world No. 63 Alison Riske.
The Czech team is led by world No. 7 Petra Kvitova, who hasn't lost a Fed Cup match this season. She will be helped out by world No. 31 Katerina Siniakova, world No. 33 Barbora Strycova and doubles world No. 1 Barbora Krejcikova. The Czechs are seeking their sixth title in eight years.