Russia is the first finalist of the Billie Jean King Cup.
KEYSTONE
The selection of captain Igor Andreev forced the decision in doubles in the semi-final against the United States (2-1). She will face Switzerland or Australia on Saturday in Prague, from 4 p.m.
The grande dame of this first semi-final was Liudmila Samsonova, who won the first single against Sloane Stephens (1-6 6-4 6-3) before picking up the point of the doubles victory alongside Veronika Kudermetova against at Shelby Rogers / CoCo Vandeweghe (6-3 6-3). Danielle Collins equalized the United States at 1-1 by beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-7 7-6 6-2.
Russia has won the Billie Jean King Cup (ex-FedCup) four times, in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. They were beaten in the first four finals in their history, and lost the three they played. since his last coronation (2011, 2013 and 2015). A bad omen for Saturday …?
Semi-finals: Russia beats USA 2-1.
- Liudmila Samsonova bat Sloane Stephens (USA) 1-6 6-4 6-3.
- Danielle Collins (USA) bat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 6-7 (9/11) 7-6 (7/2) 6-2.
- Veronika Kudermetova/Samsonova battent Shelby Rogers/CoCo Vandeweghe 6-3 6-3.
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