Relentless rain prevented any play on the opening day of Australia’s Fed Cup World Group playoff against Switzerland.

With the clay court in Chiasso, southern Switzerland, under covers and water, officials had no choice but to suspend play until Sunday morning.

More rain is forecast over the weekend, raising the possibility of the tie extending into Monday, but officials are hopeful conditions will ease.

Any further significant delays could result in the tie being postponed, with Australian spearhead Samantha Stosur among the players scheduled to compete in the claycourt event in Stuttgart, Germany this week.

Stosur was due first up on court for Australia in the crucial opening singles match against Swiss No.2 Stefanie Voegele, scheduled for midday local time (2000 AEST).

But with the rain not letting up, officials decided at 1430 to reschedule play for 0930 (1730 AEST) on Sunday.

The delay might prove to be a blessing in disguise for Stosur, who admitted she was racing against time to be fit due to a troublesome calf.

Jarmila Gajdosova will face top-ranked Swiss Romina Oprandi in the second match while Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua will team up for the doubles.

The winner of the tie qualifies for the World Group in 2014 and Alicia Molik’s side is desperate to remain in the top eight having battled so hard to earn promotion last year.

Australia were forced into the playoffs after losing to the Czech Republic 4-0 in the World Group I first round in February but spirits remain high within the team.

Australia have a 5-1 win-loss record against the Swiss.