PARIS – Defending champions Italy stood on the verge of elimination from the Fed Cup on Saturday after Russia, inspired by Svetlana Kuznetsova, moved into a comfortable 2-0 lead in their semi-final.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Kuznetsova saw off Roberta Vinci 6-2, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 in just under two hours, overcoming a second set lapse to motor through the decider after securing two early service breaks. Earlier, world number three Vera Zvonareva blasted Sara Errani 6-0, 6-2 to give the Russians first blood with her fourth win over Errani in as many meetings in just 56 minutes at Moscow’s Megasport indoor arena.
“It was much harder to win today than it may appear looking from outside,” Zvonareva said. “I had to battle for every single point.”
Italy on brink of Fed exit, Czechs all square
