Prague, Apr 12: Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will lead defending champion Czech Republic against Italy in the Fed Cup semifinals.
Because of illness and injury, the third-ranked Kvitova has played only three matches on the WTA Tour since she helped the Czechs beat Germany 4-1 in February.
Lucie Safarova, who lost to Serena Williams 6-0, 6-1 in the Family Circle Cup final on Sunday, is the second singles player. French Open doubles champions Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka are also on the team.
The best-of-five semifinal series will be played in Ostrava on April 21-22 on an indoor hard court.
