Although she initially announced that she would be unable to participate in the match against the trophy holder, as she was to undergo a septum deviation surgery, Halep changed her mind, postponing the surgery until after the game in Cluj. “Competing in the Fed Cup meant and still means a lot to me, this is why I am disappointed that I am unable to participate again with my team”, Halep stated when announcing to her fans that she was to undergo surgery.
“Our team for the game against the Czech Republic is composed of Simona Halep (2nd WTA), Irina Begu (31st WTA), Monica Niculescu (40th WTA) and Andreea Mitu (96th WTA).
We are delighted that Simona Halep chose to play for our team. She underwent treatment, she postponed her surgery, and is now ready to play in this match," Alina Tecsor stated.
Simona Halep (2nd WTA), Irina Begu (31st WTA), Monica Niculescu (40th WTA) and Andreea Mitu (96th WTA) are the four players who are to represent Romania. Alexandra Dulgheru, who was also experiencing some health issues, dropped out.
Simona Halep and Irina Begu are to play in the singles competitions, whereas Irina Begu and Monica Niculescu are to play doubles.
Petra Kvitova (7th WTA), Karolina Pliskova (12th WTA), Barbora Strypova (48th WTA) and Denisa Allertova (66th WTA) are to play for the Czech team.
Romania will compete against the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup quarterfinals, the match taking place on 6-7 February 2016 in the Polyvalent Hall in Cluj-Napoca.
The game will be played by the “best-of-five matches” system.
In 1980 Romania lost 2-1 in the only direct confrontation with the Czech team. Virginia Ruzici, Florența Mihai, and Lucia Romanov were assembled for that match, also counting for the quarterfinals of the competition played on neutral grounds in Berlin, West Germany.
The Czech Republic won the team competition in women's Tennis nine times, in 1975, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015.
The schedule for the quarterfinals is as follows:
Romania – the Czech Republic
Germany – Switzerland
France – Italy
Russia – Netherlands
If Romania wins against the Czech Republic, the Romanian team will compete in the semifinals with the winner of the match between Germany and Switzerland.
