Konta to lead GB’s Fed Cup charge v Japan

JOHANNA Konta will lead Great Britain’s bid to reach the elite level of the Fed Cup when they take on Japan in the World Group II play-offs later this month.

Wimbledon semifinalist Konta and Heather Watson will be the singles players for the tie on hard courts at the Bourbon Beans Dome in Miki, while doubles specialist Anna Smith and debutante Gabi Taylor make up the four-woman team.

Britain have not played in the World Group since 1993, which was also the last time they had a home tie in the competition, and there was dismay at yet another away trip when the draw was made in February.

Anne Keothavong’s side negotiated the Europe/Africa Zone comfortably to reach the play-offs for the fourth time in seven years and will hope to go one better than in 2012, 2013 and 2017, when they lost to Sweden, Argentina and Romania, respectively.

Last year’s tie was overshadowed by the shocking behaviour of Romania captain Ilie Nastase, who was subsequently banned for various offences, including verbally abusing Keothavong and Konta on court.

Keothavong said ahead of the tie from April 21-22: “I am delighted to name our strongest possible team. We have been so close since 2012 and hopefully the fourth will be a charm.

“Women’s tennis in the UK is at its highest point in over three decades and we now have eight players inside the world’s top 250, led by Johanna and Heather. Japan will have home support and a very capable team.”