3 minute read

A host of Queenslanders will embrace their home court when Australia takes on Belarus in a Fed Cup semi-final later this month.

Australian spearhead Ashleigh Barty says the Fed Cup team's distinctive Queensland flavour will count for plenty when they fight for a spot in the final later this month.

Ipswich talent Barty - now ranked No.9 in the world - won all six sets she played in Australia's 3-2 defeat of the United States in February.

That squad featured fellow Queenslanders Kimberly Birrell and Priscilla Hon, while captain Alicia Molik also subbed in Victorian Daria Gavrilova in the fourth tie.

Molik could also call on Gold Coaster and grand slam champion Samantha Stosur, who withdrew herself from selection last year as she battled for form and fitness but is understood to now be back in the frame.

Either way the red-hot outfit will be chock-full of local talent when they take on a strong Belarus side in Brisbane on April 20-21.

"For us it is an opportunity; you don't get to play Fed Cup at home often," Barty said of the Queensland connection.

"Some of the girls are from Queensland in the team ... it's an opportunity to play in front of friends and family."

Australia will be chasing its first Fed Cup title since 1974 in what will be the side's first semi-final appearance in five years.

And it has proved significant enough for Barty to interrupt her WTA schedule and return home this week to start preparing.

"I'm excited to play there; I didn't get to play at Brisbane International (in January)," she said.

"Whoever Mol picks, whoever she selects, I know she and I have full trust in."

Belarus pack a punch with former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka, No.10 Aryna Sabalenka and No.35 Aliaksandra Sasnovich at their disposal.

Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 Australian Open champion, has struggled with her form since returning to the tour after having son Leo.

But the 29-year-old - ironically Barty's most recent doubles partner on tour - has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts that includes a lead role in a 4-0 quarter-final defeat of Germany.