Sanders storms into Fed Cup squad

Storm Sanders' impressive summer has been rewarded with a Fed Cup selection Source: Renee McKay / Getty Images

STORM Sanders has been rewarded for some excellent early season form with selection for Australia's Fed Cup tie, to be played at the site of her breakthrough moment.

The Australian team of Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Ashleigh Barty and Sanders will play Russia in the world group first round on February 8-9 in Hobart.

It was at the Hobart International earlier this month that 19-year-old Sanders, ranked 219th, upset world No. 39 Shuai Peng and pushed 19th-ranked Kirsten Flipkens before losing 7-9 in a third-set tiebreak.

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Sanders said she "couldn't wipe the smile off my face" when told of her selection by Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik.

"Playing for your country is one of the best feelings you can get," said Sanders, who lost to Italian world No. 99 Camila Giorgi in three sets in the first round of the Australian Open.

"I've been playing some really good tennis lately, been working really hard. I think my hard work is starting to pay off and the results are showing."

Molik said she was keen to expose a youngster to the competition, similar to Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter's selection of teenagers Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis with Jordan Thompson as reserve for their upcoming tie against France.

"She's really proved herself, she's so dedicated, she's part of the future of Australian tennis," Molik said of Sanders.

"We're always very mindful in our team make-up. We start blooding the young players. We've seen Pat do it with the young guys in his team."

Meanwhile, Wally Masur will replace Nicole Bradtke in the Fed Cup coaching role Bradtke has held for eight years.

" Wally brings a different perspective, voice and influence to the players," said Molik.

"He's always been a mentor of mine."

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