Australia to play Fed Cup semi on Brisbane hardcourts

AFP  |  Brisbane 

will play its semi-final against on the hardcourts of in the first meeting between the two countries.

The April 20-21 clash between the two nations will take place at the Arena, the venue for the annual International.

There had been some speculation that the tie could be played on clay ahead of the European clay season, but hardcourts have instead been picked.

"The whole team, led by (Barty) worked hard for the win over the USA and I can honestly say that winning the tie was one of the highlights of my career," said late Thursday.

"has a group of incredibly strong players and we expect them to be tough. But we also know we'll have terrific support from the fans and look forward to a great turnout in "

Belarus is spearheaded by world No.9 Aryna Sabalenka, two-time champion and 2018 Brisbane finalist Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

They have reached the semis for the last three years, with their best result making the final in 2017.

is looking to earn a place in the final for the first time since 1993.

The other semi-final is between and

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First Published: Fri, March 08 2019. 09:45 IST