British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

The Lawn Tennis Association has today confirmed the team to contest the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 tie that will take place from 1-4 February 2012 in Eilat, Israel.

The AEGON GB Fed Cup Team will comprise of Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson and Laura Robson. Tara Moore will travel as the reserve player. The team will be led by Judy Murray following her appointment as GB Fed Cup Captain in December.

Commenting on the selections, Judy Murray said: "Our team is an exciting mix of youth and experience. In Elena and Anne we’re lucky to have two established Tour players who are great competitors and so passionate about representing their country. With Heather, Laura and Tara, we have three young and very promising players who will bring a lot of energy to the team and will be looking to make their marks in this event. Our goal is to progress through the group and while we know this will be tough, if we play to our potential, it is achievable.”

Britain’s number two and world No. 72 Anne Keothavong commented: "It's always an honour to represent your country and Fed Cup is one of the highlights of the year for me. It will be my tenth Fed Cup in Israel and as a team we're stronger than ever. I'm really looking forward to the competition and I hope it'll be a successful few days for us."

2011 has been a successful year for the top British female players. Elena Baltacha finished the year inside the world’s top 50 and Anne Keothavong triumphed in her final two tournaments of the year at Ismaning ($50k) and at the AEGON GB Pro-Series Barnstaple ($75k) whilst also reaching the WTA semi-final at the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open. Heather Watson broke into the world’s top 100 for the first time of her career, reaching No.87 whilst Laura Robson hit a career high of No.131. Tara Moore also reached a career high of No.310.

Elena Baltacha, Britain’s number one and world No.51 said: "I've always loved playing Fed Cup and it's always an honour to play for your country. Now that we're opening a new chapter with Judy coming on board, I'm even more excited to be part of the team. I'm sure we all are."

Heather Watson, Britain’s No.3 added: “I had such a great time playing with the girls last year. It’s not very often that we get to play as part of a team so when we get the chance to really support each other it’s very special and something I’m very excited to be part of again. I can’t wait to get out there and give it our all.”

The AEGON GB Fed Cup Team will contest the Europe/Africa Zone Group I, alongside 14 other nations all vying to take the top two spots and progress to the World Group II play offs in April.