Canada heading to Czech Republic for Fed Cup World Group playoffs

Canada will hit the road to face the Czech Republic in a Fed Cup World Group playoff tie April 20-21.

It’s a tough draw for the Canadians, who are 0-6 against the Czechs in Fed Cup history.

The winner advances to the World Group, with Canada looking to advance to the top level for the first time since 2015.

Canada is coming off a 4-0 road win over the Netherlands last weekend. It was Canada’s seventh win in its past eight Fed Cup ties.

The Czechs lost 3-2 to Romania last weekend to fall into the World Group playoffs. They’re competing in the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and are the top-seeded team in the eight-team event.

The Czechs have four players in the top 50 of the singles rankings, led by No. 2 Petra Kvitova and No. 5 Karolina Pliskova.

Canada is led by No. 70 Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., and No. 80 Eugenie Bouchard of Westmount, Que.

The U.S. hosts Switzerland, Germany travels to Latvia and Belgium entertains Spain in the other World Group playoff ties.