Anastasia Rodionova will make her Fed Cup debut for Australia in next month’s World Group play-off against Ukraine in April.

Russian-born, Melbourne-based Rodionova will join Samantha Stosur, Alicia Molik and doubles specialist Rennae Stubbs for the claycourt tie in Kharkiv on April 24-25.

Victory would elevate Australia to the World Group for the first time since 2004.

“This is perhaps one of the most significant Fed Cup ties in recent memory,” Taylor said.

“It is an opportunity for the Australian team to re-establish itself among the elite countries in the women’s tennis.

“Our number one singles player, Sam, will once again take on the role of team leader while Rennae, who is the longest serving member in Australian Fed Cup history, makes a strong doubles combination with Sam if it gets down to the fifth rubber.”

Taylor said Rodionova, currently ranked number 93 in the world, was eager to represent after being granted Australian citizenship in December last year.

“She is a real fighter on court and will make the most of every opportunity,” he said.

“Alicia is also on the verge of breaking into the top 100 players, which is an unbelievable feat within six months.”

Molik not only brings the experience of 17 Fed Cup ties but also great form, having defeated world number 19 Jie Zheng in Dubai and world number 32 Anabel Medina-Garrigues in Indian Wells over the past two months.

Taylor expects the Ukrainian team to be tough to beat at home.

“They have a lot of depth with three singles players in the top 100 and a strong doubles pairing,” he said.

“We will need to be at our best but I think we are up for the challenge and we are looking forward to the contest.”

Ukraine and Australia have met once before in the Fed Cup, when the Ukrainians recorded a 4-1 victory in the World Group II play-offs on the Gold Coast in 2007.

-AAP