Italy and Russia Reach 2007 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jul 15, 2007 | Print |
Given the stellar field competing for two spots in the final round of the 2007 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, it was not surprising to see both of Saturday and Sunday’s semifinal ties decided by the fifth rubber - the doubles match.
Defending champion Italy and the 2004/2005 winner Russia will face off in September’s final.
Amelie Mauresmo tried her best to exact revenge upon Francesca Schiavone for knocking France out in the quarterfinals of Fed Cup last season, but with the Cup in their possession, the Italian Fed Cup team had no intention of letting it go before the prestigious final round.
Once again Schiavone got the better of the former world number one and after winning both of her singles rubbers, she teamed up with Roberta Vinci to clinch the victory in the deciding doubles match.
Italy defeated France 3-2
Tatiana Golovin (FRA) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 6-3 2-6 6-2
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) 7-5 6-3
Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 6-7(5) 6-0 6-4
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Tatiana Golovin (FRA) 6-4 2-6 7-5
Francesca Schiavone/Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Severine Bremond/Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 4-6 6-1 6-2
Headed into the semifinals, the United States knew that their meeting against Russia would be close, despite the fact that Russia’s most powerful player, Maria Sharapova, pulled out with a shoulder injury.
Without the help of Serena who withdrew because of a thumb injury, Venus Williams fought to the finish in both singles and doubles. However, even though Venus teamed up with one of the most successful doubles players in recent years (Lisa Raymond), the United States was denied a chance to reach the finals for the first time since 2003.
Russia defeated USA 3-2
Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Vania King (USA) 6-1 6-3
Venus Williams (USA) d. Nadia Petrova (RUS) 7-6(6) 0-6 6-4
Venus Williams (USA) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 6-1 6-4
Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Meilen Tu (USA) 6-1 6-2
Nadia Petrova/Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Lisa Raymond/Venus Williams (USA) 7-5 7-6(1)
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mike | Jul 16, 2007 | Reply
Congrats and congrats! They’re cute too.
[comment edited by administration]
Aaress | Jul 16, 2007 | Reply
Mike,
Next time you post at On the Baseline, you might want to read our comment policy here:
http://www.onthebaseline.com/comment-policy/
Thanks.