Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1067114
made her way on court, while four-time Fed Cup winner Sukova cheered from the crowd. Lucie Hradecka, who had been a part of two previous Czech wins, also watched on from the stands, as did Pliskova from home. The arena rumbled and shook with approval and may well do again as there would appear few signs of the Czechs' grip on the Fed Cup loosening. Although Strycova will no longer be a part of the team going forward, and Safarova is set to retire after the Australian Open, the former suggested her decision to step aside was to give room for the next generation. Strycova believes the pipeline is plentiful and the rest of the world may well quiver at such a prospect. "We are fortunate," Pala acknowledged. "We have great depth. If one or two girls are out, we can still compete." By that he means win titles, which the Czech Republic have the potential to do for many years to come. ■ ABOVE: Sofia Kenin battled but was ultimately unable to stem the Czech Republic tide LEFT: Alison Riske was defeated in straight sets by Katerina Siniakova 19 Helena Sukova and Lucie Safarova were presented with Fed Cup Commitment Awards RIGHT: Defeat took its toll on the United States