Fed Cup

The Fed Cup is a team event in women's tennis. It is the equivalent to the men's Davis Cup tournament.

There are five levels involved in the Fed Cup and teams can be promoted and relegated. At the top level is the World Group I. This involves eight countries. Nations that win their first round ties remain at this level for the next year, while losers compete in a play-off match to retain their spots.

Below World Group I is World Group II, which has eight countries. After that, the levels are split between regions. Level three has Group One American Zone, Group One Euro/Africa Zone and Group One Asia/Oceania Zone.

There are three sections of the fourth level: Group Two American Zone, Group Two Euro/Africa Zone and Group Two Asia/Oceania Zone, while in level five is Group Three Euro/Africa Zone.

United States are the most successful country in history as they have landed the Fed Cup on 17 occasions, including a seven year consecutive run between 1976 and 1982. During this time they did not surrender the title once. Despite their dominance, the US team have not won the trophy since 2000. They had to settle for runners-up in 2003, 2009 and 2010.

The first ever Fed Cup was won in 1963 and was set up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The tournament, which was won by the United States, was so successful that it has been run every year since then. 

Back in 1963, the open event attracted 16 nations and was played across one week. It was held at Queen's Club in London, when the Americans defeated Australia in the final. They were also able to overcome Italy, Netherlands and Great Britain along the way to their success. Darlene Hard, Billie Jean King, Margaret Smith and Lesley Turner all took part for the respective countries that year.

Despite defeat in the inaugural tournament, Australia bounced back to win seven of the next 11 Championships.

The current format of the Fed Cup was introduced in 2005 and has been the same ever since. Russia were victorious 3-2 in the final against France. They defended their crown that year which they had previously won in 2004 for the first time.

Italy secured their maiden title in 2006. That brought up the first of fourth titles over the next seven years. They also had success in 2009, 2010 and 2013.

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