Holders Czech Rep. go 2-0 up against Germany

Germany lost both their opening Fed Cup single rubbers to defending champions the Czech Republic yesterday as world number two Petra Kvitova ensured they finished the day with a 2-0 lead.

The Czechs went 1-0 up after Iveta Benesova stunned Sabine Lisicki by coming back from a set down to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 before Kvitova went the distance with Germany’s Julia Goerges for a 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 win.

Wimbledon semi-finalist Lisicki, ranked 14th in the world, failed to cope with Benesova, ranked 49th, who rallied from 4-4 in the second set to win the match.

Against Goerges, Kvitova improved her unbeaten streak on indoor courts to 26 games as she held her nerve in a close match, while the Germans have it all to do in today’s two remaining singles matches.

Germany captain Lisicki burst into tears at the post-match press conference in frustration.

“I was a set up and at 4-4 in the second set, everything was ok and I was in control of the game,” she sobbed.

“Then I suddenly couldn’t find my length and my opponent could generate some pressure.

“She did everything right and although I am the better player, I wasn’t able to implement what I had planned.

“I will not hide now, after the drugs testing I will go up into the box and join the girls. We are a team, we win together and we lose together.”

Lisicki will face Kvitova first up today before Goerges tackles Benesova in the last round of singles.

Other matches: Italy vs Ukraine1-1; Belgium vs Serbia 1-1; Russia vs Spain 2-0; Japan vs Slovenia 2-0.