Great Britain name squad for Israel trip

The team will comprise of Heather Watson, Laura Robson, Anne Keothavong and Johanna Konta.  Elena Baltacha, who is currently recovering from injury, will also be travelling as she remains a key part of the team’s 2013 campaign. 

The team will be led by Judy Murray, who was appointed as GB Fed Cup Captain in December 2011.

Commenting on the selections, Murray said: “Last year’s Fed Cup was a great experience for all of us and we came close to securing a place in the World Group for the first time since 1995.

“Heather and Laura have pushed themselves up into the top 50 in the WTA rankings this year and they will have wonderfully experienced back-up in Anne and Bally who have 22 Fed Cups between them. 

“Jo Konta makes her debut on the team after a terrific 2012 season which saw her break into the top 150.  We have a great squad and we will be aiming to put ourselves in World Group contention once again." 

British number one Watson said: “Playing Fed Cup is always a highlight for me during the year. 

“Most of the time we are out there playing for ourselves, but it’s a lot of fun and a great honour to compete as a team and represent our country against the best in the world.” 

Watson ended 2012 at a career-best No. 49 (currently No. 47) in the world winning her first career WTA singles title at the Japan Open, having already claimed Tour doubles titles at Stanford and Dallas in the USA during the summer. 

British number three Keothavong said: “I can’t believe this will be my 12th time representing my country. 

“I feel really proud how we have grown as a team in the last couple of years and came so close to making World Group II last year.  It’s an added motivation knowing how close we were to try and take the extra step in 2013.” 

The GB Fed Cup team will contest the Europe/Africa Zone Group I, alongside 15 other nations, all vying to take the top two spots and progress to the World Group II play-offs in April.