Italy in command against Russia

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:26

Flavia Pennetta made short work of Anna Chakvetadze in the opening rubber, romping to a 6-4 6-0 victory.

Svetlana Kuznetsova looked set to level the scores when she won the first set of her match with Francesca Schiavone 6-1, but the former US Open champion capitulated in the next two as the Italian took the match 1-6 6-2 6-3.

The semi-final tie between Czech Republic and USA in Brno is level at 1-1 after world number 116 Alexa Glatch brushed aside Iveta Benesova 6-1 6-2 in the second rubber.

Petra Kvitova had drawn first blood for the Czechs with a 6-3 7-6 (7/2) triumph over Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

In the World Group play-off Serbia, Germany and Ukraine all hold 2-0 advantages after the opening day.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.