It’s Fed Cup time and there are 2 different (but expected) outcomes in the semifinals.
Russia and Serbia are training on a 1-1 scorelines while Czech Republic is having an easy life with Italy.
RUSSIA – SERBIA 1-1
Jankovic – Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-3
Jankovic was quite tight at the beginning of the match to cope twice with a break down. Than Jelena managed to get a bit loose to save 6 break points in the 7th game to win it and to get the first set 6-4. The second set was a bit easier for Jelena to lead 5-1. Then she was broken, but she didn’t miss her chance when she was serving again for the match when she was leading 5-3.
“I was very nervous in the beginning. I really wanted to win this match,” Jankovic said. “I think it’s very important to win the first point — it gives confidence to the second player on our team to play better.”
Highlight above
Kuznetsova – Ivanovic 6-2, 2-6, 6-4
The Russian played a remarkable tennis. The first game of the third set was the most important one when she manage to win an early and decisive break.
“I played well in the first and third sets,” Kuznetsova said. “But I lost concentration in the second set and it’s normal since I haven’t played long rallies since Miami. And I spin a lot today and played forehands and cut her rhythm.”
“She was serving really well today, she was aiming very precise,” Ivanovic said. “And also with the ground strokes she was very aggressive from the baseline. I feel I had chances and was in it but some of the short balls that I missed today cost me the match.”
Czech Republic – Italy 2-0
Safarova – Schiavone 7-6 (3) 6-1
After a very tense first set, won at the tie break, there much not much left for Schavone. Lucie was just on the roll and the crowd was doing everything to help the home player to keep on winning points.
“I feel amazing with so many people here cheering for you which gives you huge power.” said Safarova.
Francesca was unable to seize some opportunities especially in the first set. “I had my chance, but I didn’t catch it…I couldn’t play the best.”
Kvitova – Errani 6-4 6-3
The Italian was coming from a triumphant campaign in Barcelona where she won both singles and doubles, but this time she had to cope with a bigger hurdle: Kvitova. And that was too much.
The Czech was very conscious about the good tennis the Italian is currently producing. “I had to play a really tough match especially after Sara played so well last week.” Petra was very pleased to play in her hometown in Fulnek: “They really helped me a lot. Without them it would be boring. I’m really happy to be playing close to home after two years.”
Errani was not so unhappy about her tennis. “I had my chances, but unfortunately it went like that. I think she closed both sets very well.”
In next her next match Kvitova will play with Francesca Schiavone. And that may be game over for Italy.. but you’ll never know with Francesca.
