Stuttgart, Germany, 21 April 2012 | Tennis Australia

Australian duo Samantha Stosur and Jarmila Gajdosova will lead the Australian charge against Germany in their Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie in Stuttgart on Saturday.

The Australians will be looking to upset the Germans, who are the favourites to win, as they attempt to re-instate themselves in the elite World Group of eight nations.

At the official draw ceremony in Stuttgart on Friday, it was announced that Stosur, the world No.5 and Australia’s No.1 player, will open proceedings at Porsche Arena against Germany’s Angelique Kerber, ranked world No.14.

View Stosur’s interview following an Australian team practice session in Stuttgart this week

Stosur said the Fed Cup tie against Germany will be close.

“It is a very strong tie, this tie, and everybody here is good. There are so many good players,” she said.

“Germany has three players in the top 15 so it is certainly going to be a tough tie. If I play first or second it doesn’t really bother me. I know that I am first so I will prepare for that match.

“I have played Angelique in the semifinals of the US Open and Julia in the semifinals of Stuttgart last year so I have played both of the girls. They were strong matches so I am sure tomorrow will be the same.

“Angelique hits very well, very flat and deep to the corners. You have to be prepared to work hard and to get low and work for every single point so it is certainly going to be a tough match.

“I do enjoy playing on the clay. It is definitely one of my favourite surfaces and I enjoy playing on this court too. Hopefully I can use my experience on the clay and this court to my advantage over the weekend.”

Gajdosova, Australia’s No.2 and world No.50, will take on German and friend Julia Goerges (world No.16) in the second match on court on Saturday.

Watch an interview with Gajdosova discussing her improving form during practice leading up to this weekend’s tie

Following the draw, Gajdosova said the Australian team was ready.

“The team is feeling great and we are all very excited to be here, it is a beautiful town and arena. I think everyone is playing well and is looking forward to the tie,” Gajdosova said.

“I believe in Sam and I believe in Australia. I am sure she will do all she can. She is a great player and she will give her heart out there. I am hoping it will be 1-0 up by the time I take to the court tomorrow.

“It is a team competition so I am hoping I can help in any way I can and I plan to do so.”

The tie will see Stosur play Goerges on Sunday, followed by the second reverse singles rubber featuring Gajdosova against Kerber.

Casey Dellacqua (world No.106) will join Stosur as the doubles, pairing against Germany’s top-ranked player, Andrea Petkovic (No.11) and Anna-Lena Groenefeld (doubles No.45). This will be the last match to be played on Sunday.

Watch Dellacqua’s interview following an Aussie practice session this week in Stuttgart

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie will be televised on Fox Sports this weekend.

Day 1 highlights will be on Fox Sports 2 Sunday 22 April at 11.30am (EST) and Day 2 action will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 3 at 8pm on Sunday 22 April.