Czech Republic have reached a tenth consecutive Fed Cup Semi-Final after a straight sets Petra Kvitova win secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland
The world number 21 and multiple time grand slam champion looked sizzling hot from the start of the match as she gained two breaks of serve in the opening set. Bencic could not deal with the big lefty forehand that she faced and was on the back foot for most of the match.
After 37 minutes Kvitova comfortably served out the first set 6-2 as she continued to punish Bencic for her errors. The second set was a tighter affair as the world number 73 managed to deal with Kvitova’s presence much better and used her big shots to move the tall Czech Republican around.
However Kvitova, who made an emotional return to the Fed Cup scene this weekend, managed to secure a crucial break in the seventh game to break down the Bencic momentum. Despite several opportunities, Bencic could not break her Czech Republican opponent down as she was left frustrated. Kvitova served out the match to complete a 6-2 6-4 victory and make sure that her nation would compete in an historic tenth consecutive Fed Cup Semi-Final.
Despite Switzerland’s best efforts they could not repeat their previous success and will now compete in a World Group Play-Off in April to try and keep their World Group status.
The Czech Republic will now play Germany in the Semi-Finals after they overcame last year’s finalists Belarus 3-2 in an exhilarating tie. With the tie locked in at 1-1 going into Sunday, Belarus were dealt a huge blow as Sasnovich had to miss the first match of the day due to illness. She was replaced by Vera Lapko, who made her Fed Cup singles debut.
Despite Lapko’s best efforts she fell to Tatjana Maria in three sets as the German Number One in this tie gave the visitors a 2-1 lead. However Belarus would soon level the tie after their number two, Aryna Sabalenka battled past Antonia Lottner 6-3 5-7 6-2 to force a deciding doubles rubber.
The deciding doubles was drama personified, however world number 21 Anna-Lena Groenefeld used her doubles experience to lead Germany to victory after her and Maria defeated Sabalenka and Marozava 6-7(4) 7-5 6-4. Belarus compete in the World Group Play-Off draw.
France and USA Set Super Showdown
In the other Semi-Final in April, France will play the USA in what is set to be a super clash. France beat Belgium 3-2 after Kristina Mladenovic and Amandine Hesse defeated Kirsten Flipkens and Elise Mertens in the deciding doubles 6-4 2-6 6-2.
While USA have attained an unassailable 3-0 lead over the Netherlands after Venus Williams defeated Richel Hogenkamp 7-5 6-1. This means USA have won their 150th Fed Cup tie and will compete in the Semi-Finals in April when they take on France.
The Netherlands and Belgium will be in the World Group Play-Offs in April, with the draw for those play-offs and the World Group II Play-Offs taking place on Tuesday.
