GREAT Britain will hope they are not blown away by a Romanian storm as they try to end a 24-year wait to reach the elite level of the Fed Cup.
Preparations for the World Group II play-off in Constanta have been disrupted by high winds, rain and even a few flurries of snow, making outdoor practice difficult.
However, the good news is the forecast is better for the weekend, when a British team led by Johanna Konta will take on a strong Romanian line-up.
Captain Anne Keothavong said: “It hasn’t been ideal. Yesterday was a complete wash-out, we were practising in the indoor bubble but it’s the same for both teams. It’s cold, it’s wet, the conditions will be heavy, but we’re ready.”
Romania go into the tie as favourites on home soil and on their best surface, with world number five Simona Halep contesting the opening rubber in her home city against Heather Watson.
If Britain are to win they will need Konta, now ranked seventh after her recent Miami Open triumph, to produce the form that has made her one of the most dangerous players in the women’s game.
Clay is not her best surface but a win over 33rd-ranked Irina-Camelia Begu in the second rubber is a must if Britain are to stand a chance of pulling off a shock.
Britain have been trying to escape the Europe/Africa Zone since 1993 without success.
Murray twice led them to similar play-offs against Sweden and Argentina in 2012 and 2013 respectively but defeats sent them back to square one.
Former British No 1 Keothavong has sought advice from Judy Murray and Davis Cup captain Leon Smith and is optimistic her side can exceed expectations.
She said: “I’m just as desperate to get out of this group, there’s nothing more I would like to see than Great Britain in a World Group and that’s something that’s a possibility.
“I think the Romanians will feel the pressure and it’s up to the players and all of us to take advantage of that.”
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