Great Britain end Fed Cup on a high

Originally published on 10/02/14

In the absence of British No.1 Laura Robson, Judy Murray’s team won two of their four ties at the Europe/Africa Group I competition in Budapest to miss out on a place in the World Group II play-offs.

There was, however, reason for optimism for world No.162 Heather Watson, who won all four of her singles rubbers, beating both Yvonne Meusburger and Sorana Cirstea to claim wins over two Top 40 players in the same week for the first time.

"So proud to be British and to play my fourth Fed Cup this year! Great effort and team spirit from my team mates," Watson posted on her Twitter page on Sunday. "We will be back next year!"

Watson and Tara Moore won their singles rubbers against Austria on Sunday as the British team ended the trip to Budapest on a high note, but defeat to both Romania and Hungary had already ended Britain’s hopes of a play-off berth.

Netherlands and Romania emerged from the 16-team event to progress to the play-offs for a chance to compete for a place in the second tier of the competition.

In the World Group, defending champions Italy beat the USA 3-1 in Cleveland despite the absence of Sara Errani, Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta. The Italian team will face the winner of the rain-delayed tie between Spain and Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, Australia thrashed Russia 4-0 in Hobart to secure a semi-final clash against Germany, who beat Slovakia 3-1 in Bratislava.

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