Tennis: Israel to face Ukraine in Fed Cup

By ALLON SINAI
Israeli women's tennis was drawn to face Ukraine in the Fed Cup's World Group II in 2009 on Friday. The winner of the tie, which will be held in Ukraine on February 7-8, will advance to the World Group playoffs. Israel played in the World Group for the first time in its history last year, but lost 4-1 to Russia in Ramat Hasharon and was relegated to World Group II after suffering a 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic in April. Shahar Pe'er and Tzipi Obziler will once more be leading the side and will have to be at their very best to avoid a third straight Fed Cup defeat next year. The Ukrainians are led by sisters Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko, who are ranked 30th and 54th in the world respectively. The siblings also play doubles together and teamed-up to win the Australian Open earlier this year. "This is a very tough draw," Israel captain Oded Jacob said. "The playing conditions will also be very difficult, but if we want to maintain our place among the world's top 16 teams then this is a tie we must win."