ITF

" We have been there [in a final] before, whereas a lot of the Australian girls haven't. It is an important factor for us." Garcia has contested a total of nine Fed Cup ties since making her tournament debut during a World Group II Play-off encounter with Kazakhstan in 2013 and boasts an 11-5 win-loss record in singles and 6-1 in doubles. With harmony in the French camp seemingly renewed, her partnership with Mladenovic, so pivotal to France's Fed Cup hopes in the past, proved the determining factor in their semi-final battle with Romania in Rouen. The Garcia-Mladenovic axis could again be decisive if France are to clear the hurdle of Australia in their own backyard and end a 16-year wait for Fed Cup silverware, having not won the title since 2003. "My first memory of the tournament was watching the France team with my parents when they were playing only an hour from our house and Amelie [Mauresmo] and Nathalie Dechy featured," added Garcia. "It has been a goal of mine to one day be a Fed Cup champion ever since and I'm very excited about the final. To be playing Australia, another great tennis country, especially over there, is something I'm really looking forward to. "I know it doesn't depend on me alone – we're a team and we all have to win points – but I have been playing on court and winning points in singles and doubles. That's how I want to win, I want to be a part of it and be active. "We have a new captain [Benneteau]. He doesn't have a lot of experience, but he believes in what he does. The best players are playing on court and we are fighting very hard to do the best we can. It will be difficult, but we have options. As I say, I certainly don't want to experience losing another final." ■ C A R O L I N E G A R C I A France suffered heartbreak in the 2016 Fed Cup Final France fans showing their support for Garcia Garcia has played nine Fed Cup ties since her tournament debut in 2013 ITFWorld // AUTUMN 2019 2 1

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