Fed Cup Odds – An Overview

The women’s equivalent of the Davis Cup, the Fed Cup, was a long time coming, but when the ITF (International Tennis Federation) eventually conceded that there was indeed sufficient interest in women’s tennis to support an international tennis team event, the Fed Cup took off with a vengeance.

The anticipated World Group Final between Spain and Russia took place from 13 to 14 September 2008 with Russia winning the tournament. Svetlana Kuznetsova led her country to victory by defeating Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain 5-7, 6-3, 6-4!

The original idea of a women’s team event was mooted as early as 1919, but it was only in 1963 that the top-ranked women took to the courts to claim glory for their countries. Initially the event lacked sponsorship, but the team members were so enthusiastic about international competition that they forged ahead without financial aid or any sort of reward for their efforts.

The inaugural event in 1963 attracted an unprecedented 16 countries. In 2007, the 45^th edition of the Fed Cup was supported by no less than 82 nations, quite a remarkable growth in a relatively short period of time. The popularity of the event has led to several changes in the format and structure of the competition.

With its growth in popularity, so too did interest in sponsoring the event increase. The initial sponsorship deal was signed with the Colgate group, and in the early 1980s Japanese Communications giant, NEC, took over. The Fed Cup is currently sponsored by BNP Paribas.

As with all large international sporting events, host countries are expected to build new, or improve on, existing facilities. Known as the ‘Fed Cup Legacy’, these facilities are partly funded by the ITF in an effort to spread the game of tennis far and wide, which in turn, increases the interest in Fed Cup odds.

Over the years, the Fed Cup has attracted the biggest names in women’s tennis. The inaugural tournament set the trend when American legend, Billie Jean King, took to the grass courts of the Queen’s Club in London and subdued her arch-rival and friend, the great Margaret Court of Australia.

Decades later, the Fed Cup is still attracting the top-ranked women tennis players. In recent years the likes of Amelie Mauresmo of France, Svetalana Kuznetsova of Russia and Venus and Serena Williams of the US have battled it out for the coveted Fed Cup.

As with all international sporting events, the Fed Cup attracts the attention of sports bookmakers and punters alike. There is nothing more exciting than supporting your local tennis team, and winning at the same time!

We offer the latest betting tips on the 2009 Fed Cup odds.

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