Fed Cup Final: Russia v Czech Republic

[britbox]

So, the Fed Cup Final takes place this weekend - Russia v Czech Republic

Who've you got?

I think with Maria Sharapova's resurgence at the WTA Finals (she actually won more matches than Aga, the eventual winner) then Russia may be in the driving seat but much depends on Petra (who defeated Maria at the WTA finals) and which version of her Jekyll and Hyde character shows up.

 

[Billie]

It's a tough one.  Pavlyuchenkova might be the weakest link, so Maria will have to win her 2 singles and the doubles can decide (advantage to Russians there).   I would have put Makarova in the singles as well.  I see this going 3:2 for somebody.  Here is the link to the full tie details:

http://www.fedcup.com/en/draws-results/tie/details.aspx?tieId=100021929

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Pliskova v Sharapova,this is the first time these two players have met,should be an interesting match up,both players hit the ball very flat,both go for their ground shots,I prefer Pliskova's serve to Sharapova's serve,both players will have to watch their margins.

Pavs actually has a good indoor record,in saying that Petra's indoor record is great.Petra always seems to bring her best tennis to Fed Cup,pity she can't play that consistent in regular matches,though she has been battling Mono this year,had to cut back her practice etc.

 

BTW Makarova hasn't played since the USO,where I believe she picked up an ankle injury.I also think one of the main reasons Safarova wasn't picked in singles,she  has been recovering from a viral illness,which forced her for a stay in hospital,she did play in Singapore,though going on current form I feel Pliskova was the right choice.

 

 

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

First tie goes to P3tra.

P. KVITOVA--2-6 6-1 6-1--A. PAVLYUCHENKOVA

 

[britbox]

Maria levelled it up for Russia... so delicately poised. Ultimately, I suspect Maria and Petra will decide who takes the title.

 

[britbox]

Maria v Petra... good battle. Maria has just broken in the deciding set to go 3-2 up.

 

[britbox]

Maria Sharapova defeats Petra Kvitova 3-6 6-4 6-2

Huge win for Russia. Definitely in the driving seat for the Fed Cup.

 

[MashaFan]

I hope that it all can be decided after the next single match between Pliskova (CZE) - Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) - It will be such a great thing for Masha to be part of Russia winning the FED Cup

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Maria Sharapova defeats Petra Kvitova 3-6 6-4 6-2 Huge win for Russia. Definitely in the driving seat for the Fed Cup.

It all comes down to the last two ties.

Pliskova versus Pavly plus the doubles match.

Pliskova has beaten Pavly in the only encounter early this year. This may all come down to that last doubles match.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Czech doubles team Strycova/Pliskova d Vesnina/Pavs 46 63 62 in the deciding doubles rubber to clinch their 4th Fed Cup Title in the last 5 years.Congratulations! it was a very close tie,with the doubles deciding the winner.

 

 

[britbox]

Bit surprised to see the Czechs come from 2-1 down - I fancied the Russians tow win at least one of the last two matches.

 

 

[Billie]

I think the Russian girls gave it all they had.  Makarova wasn't even playing doubles so that was a bummer for them.  Sad for them, but congratulations to Czech team for winning this yet again.