Tamarine withdrew due to knee and thigh injuries, which resulted in her elimination in the third round at Wimbledon by Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on Friday.

Her decision to skip the tie, which will be played in Bratislava from July 15-16, was more bad news for the Thai squad after doubles specialist Napaporn Tongsalee withdrew to focus on her personal goals.

"I really cannot play because of the injuries and I feel sorry for that. I have been playing for several weeks and my body needs to recover," said Tamarine. She sustained her knee injury during her match against the Polish teenager, who defeated the Thai 6-3 6-2.

Thailand is now in a vulnerable situation, being forced to rely on No 2 Suchanan Viratprasert and No 4 Monthinee Tangphong. Nudnida Luangnam, a Fed Cup rookie, is also in the team, but it is not yet known who will take the final spot.

The Slovak Republic, meanwhile, will be spearheaded by 18th-ranked Daniela Hantuchova. They also have two other top 100 players in Martina Sucha (No 64) and Jarmila Gajdosova (No 86).

Thailand hosted April's tie against the Czech Republic and lost 4-1 in the first round. Without Tamarine and Napaporn, the team is not in a good position to challenge the powerful Slovaks and if the Thais lose they will be relegated to the qualifying zone next year.

But Tamarine hopes her younger team-mates will turn things around. "The Slovak team might be under pressure as they are the hosts and people expect a lot from them. Anything can happen," she said.

She said she would return to the team when she is fully fit next season.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

Wimbledon