Fed Cup: Russia defeats USA to move to the final

Russia will play at the Fed Cup final after defeating the USA team on the doubles.

Fed Cup: Russia defeats USA to move to the final Initially, Venus Williams gave the U.S. 2-1 lead over Russia, but their contenders overcame the absence of Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova to defeat the U.S. 3-2.

Nadia Petrova crushed the Fed Cup newcomer Meilen Tu, who substituted for Serena, 6-1, 6-2, and the semi-final had to be decided by doubles. Nadia Petrova and Elena Vesnina played against Lisa Raymond and Venus Williams and the doubles match finished 7-5, 7-6 (7-1) for the Russian team.

Before the game Venus said she never heard of Vesnina, but the Russian player had the chance to comment laughing after the semi-final: "Now she heard about me; now she knows me."

The U.S. team has won the Fed Cup 17 times, the last one in 2000. Russia has won the Fed Cup title twice in the last three years, and in September will meet Italy at the final.

Published on 07/15/2007