Dellacqua excited to support teammates
Casey Dellacqua said she would be cheering her heart out from the sidelines as Australia attempts to beat Germany in its World Group Play-off tie.
Stuttgart, Germany, 21 April 2012 | Matt Trollope
Scheduled to play the final rubber of the tie in doubles, Casey Dellacqua said she would be cheering her heart out from the sidelines as Australia attempts to beat Germany in this weekend’s World Group Play-off tie.
It was announced at the official draw ceremony in Stuttgart that Dellacqua would pair with Aussie No.1 Sam Stosur in the doubles, the last rubber to be played on the Sunday.
Until then, the Western Australian said she was excited to support her teammates at the Porsche Arena.
“I’m looking forward to sitting there tomorrow on the side of the court and watching Jarka and Sam play. We’ve had a really good practice week, and now it’s time for the business part and the matches to start, and think that’s always the exciting bit,” she said.
“So I’m looking forward to cheering my heart out on the sideline, and then if it comes down to the doubles, I’ll be out there and certainly giving my all.”
Unlike the Davis Cup, which schedules doubles matches as the third rubber of a tie, the Fed Cup competition plays doubles fifth, meaning these affairs are frequently dead rubbers.
Asked by a German reporter at the draw ceremony if she would prefer to play a live rubber with scores locked at 2-2, with a chance to clinch an exciting victory for Australia, Dellacqua responded with an outline of her ideal scenario.
“Oh no, it would be 4-0 to Australia and I could go out and relax and enjoy the doubles,” she laughed.
“Jarka and Sam have both been hitting the ball fantastic this week … I know they’ll be doing everything they possibly can to notch those singles wins so I can relax and enjoy the doubles.”
Dellacqua said she was thoroughly enjoying the experience of being in Stuttgart, a city she’s never before visited in her career.
A player who relishes the team environment of Fed Cup, the world No.106 said she felt good coming into this weekend’s tie, the winner of which will take their place among the elite eight-nation Fed Cup World Group in 2013.
“It’s nice to come here this week. It’s a great court. I’ve also been hitting the ball well, so if it does come down to the doubles and it’s 2-2, I’ll be ready to go,” she said.
“I’ve had a lot of good practice this week, so I’m ready for whatever and ready to play for my country again.”