World number six Samantha Stosur [ Images ] has opted out of Australia's [ Images ] Fed Cup World Group playoff against Ukraine to concentrate on preparing for the clay-court season.

Stosur, who lost both her singles ties in Australia's first round loss against champions Italy [ Images ] in February, said tuning up for the French Open [ Images ] was more important.

"I love representing Australia and it has been difficult to prioritise my immediate schedule," Stosur, who was beaten in last year's final at Roland Garros [ Images ] by Italy's Francesca Schiavone, said in release from Tennis Australia on Wednesday.

"But it is extremely important to me to focus on the clay-court season and get the best possible preparation for the French Open."

Australia has named world number 29 Jarmila Groth, 64th-ranked Jelena Dokic [ Images ], Anastasia Rodionova (74) and Sophie Ferguson (124) for the April 16-17 tie in Melbourne [ Images ].

"We are obviously disappointed that our No. 1 player, Sam, will not be coming home for this tie but we respect her decision and I have faith in the other girls to get us back to the elite eight," Fed Cup captain David Taylor said.

Australia beat Ukraine 5-0 last year to progress to the top tier for the first time since 2004.