HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Czechia qualified for this year’s Finals in Malaga via a wild card, ensuring they did not need to play in the Qualifiers in April.
MEET THE CAPTAIN – Petr Pala
Pala’s playing career saw him reach the 2001 French Open final alongside partner Pavel Vizner, with the pair also reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon that year.
He has gone on to enjoy a fine coaching career and is the most successful captain in the history of the Billie Jean King Cup, winning the title in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
After going close to adding another title to his record after the run to last year’s semi-finals in Seville, Pala is eager to get over the winning line in Malaga.
“I remember when I was a child that I had a dream to win Wimbledon, but it never happened,” said Pala.
“Now I have had a great career as a captain of this team and it was a surprise when I was first asked to do the job. I was still on tour and playing at the time. I was only 33, but I was very happy to get the chance.
“We have had some great moments and I hope I still have something to give to the team and if they are happy for me to do it, I’m here.
“Our last title was 2018. This was like a fairy tale that we won the title at home with a sell-out crowd in Prague.
“Now we have a great team again. They are hungry to be in the finals and we will see what will happen.”