Dokic leads Aussies at Fed Cup qualifier

PERTH: Australian Open surprise package Jelena Dokic will be looking to continue her rich vein of form into this week's Fed Cup as the home nation looks to progress to the next stage of the tournament.

After reaching the quarterfinals of the season-opening Grand Slam in Melbourne, Dokic returns to the scene of one of her early triumphs to play for her adopted country for the first time since 2000.

With eight teams in the Asia/Oceania Group I competition chasing elevation to World Group II of the women's team event, Australia's main rival could be India, led by Sania Mirza, who became the first Indian woman to claim a Grand Slam title in winning the Australian Open mixed doubles.