Karolina Pliskova absence gives hope to travelling USA finalists

Final
Midday Saturday, Prague

The Fed Cup final between Czech Republic and USA looked like being a one-sided clash a week ago, but with Karolina Pliskova having pulled out due to injury and Petra Kvitova suffering a bout of flu, there is now hope for the Americans who have travelled to Prague.

A United States line-up of Danielle Collins, Sofia Kenin, Alison Riske and doubles specialist Nicole Melichar always looked likely to play second fiddle to Pliskova, Kvitova, Barbora Strycova and Katerina Siniakova.

But with Pliskova falling to a calf injury and Kvitova, who may still play on Sunday, under the weather, Barbora Krejcikova has been called in to play pairs for the 2-7 Czechs.

USA are set to go with Kenin and Riske in the singles against Strycova and Siniakova, which is potentially more competitive than it was. Kenin is a spirited battler and that could have a positive effect on Riske, who is top-class at her best.

Recommended ante-post
USA to win Fed Cup
2pts 9-4 Coral, Ladbrokes

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport