Fed Cup: Russians wary of Spanish threat

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 14:56

As the preparations for the 2008 Fed Cup final continue, Russian doubles specialist Elena Vesnina says she and her team-mates are expecting a hard fight when they take on Spain in Madrid this weekend.

Tennishead idiots’ guide to the Fed Cup final

Many onlookers favour the Russian squad of Svetlana Kuznetsova (WR7), Vera Zvonareva (WR9), Ekaterina Makarova (WR58) and Vesnina (WR61) to cruise to their fifth title in six years, despite missing the likes of Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva, Dinara Safina and Anna Chakvetadze.

“To play for your country is the best”

Twelve-time champions Russia have a formidable reputation in the competition. They are the top seeds, defending champions and hold a 4-1 head-to-head record against the Spanish in Fed Cup tennis, including a 5-0 whitewash in the first round in 2007.

Despite her countrys pedigree, though, Vesnina says Spain have two things in their favour the court surface and home support during the two-day, best-of-five-match tie.

“I don’t like it when people say:

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