Czech Republic retains the Federation Cup title in 2012 – Tennis News
Team of Czech Republic reigned supreme over the Serbian squad to retain the Federation Cup title at their home soil. It was not an easy task at all for them but the inspired play from the 25-year-old Czech, Lucie Safarova, took them home after an emphatic
comeback from the former world number one, Ana Ivanovic.
Clash
Czech Player(s)
Serbian Player(s)
Final Scores
R1
Lucie Safarova*
v
Ana Ivanovic
6-4, 6-3
R2
Petra Kvitova*
v
Jelena Jankovic
6-4, 6-1
R3
Petra Kvitova
v
Ana Ivanovic*
3-6, 5-7
R4
Lucie Safarova*
v
Jelena Jankovic
6-1, 6-1
R5
Lucie Hradecka
Andrea Hlavackova
v
Bojana Jovanovski
Aleksandra Krunic
Not played
*Successful Player
World number 17, Safarova, opened up the campaign against the 12th ranked Serb superstar, Ana Ivanovic, on Saturday. She registered straight sets upset to give a crucial lead to her country upfront. Later in the day, the eighth ranked Petra Kvitova
showed no signs of ailment when she brutally sidelined the former world number one, Jelena Jankovic, in the second Round Rubber clash. Czech led the tie 2-0 on Saturday.
Former world number one, Ana Ivanovic, came back on Sunday with a plan; bamboozled the left-handed Czech with consistent drop shots and yielded the victory in a must win stage for Serbia. The tie was again opened up and Jankovic had to save a match to enforce
the doubles contest into play. However, she failed to handle the onslaught and the firepower of Safarova; bowing down cheaply in straight sets that ended the contest in the fourth Round Rubber.
Safarova said afterwards, “It's hard to describe how I feel. I played an unbelievable game. I desperately wanted to win and I'm really delighted. It's fantastic to win at home, in Prague. I played one of the best matches of my career."
She further added, “Here at home in this type of crowd, it's indescribable, it's an amazing feeling. There are so many emotions and happiness and that is the feeling we are practicing for every day, even if you're not in the mood to work.”
Serbia never reached the final of the Federation Cup in their entire career. It was a great achievement for them to make this far in the tournament. The new rankings list of all the countries in the Federation Cup is issued by the higher authorities and
it is as follows:
Czech Republic Italy Russia Serbia USA Australia Japan Slovak Republic Belgium Germany
Tags: