The Fed Cup semi-finals see Belgium take on the Czech Republic and defending champions Italy in action against Russia.
At the start of the year Belgium would have regarded themselves as favourites for the title. With Kim Clijsters currently holding two of the four majors, Justine Henin once again fully fit and the improving Yanina Wickmayer also vying for a place, they looked to have by far the strongest squad, something they proved by destroying the USA 4-1 in February.
However Henin has now retired, this time for good, Clijsters is injured and may miss the French Open and so it's up to Wickmayer to keep their title chances alive. She faces a tough task against a strong Czech side featuring Wimbledon semi-finalist Petra Kvitova and the dangerous Lucie Safarova.
Italy have won the Fed Cup for the past two years but their hold on the title will come under serious threat against a strong Russian side. Wimbledon and US Open finalist Vera Zvonareva will be there along with the resurgent former Grand slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.
It promises to be a fascinating weekend's action.
