Czech cruise past Germany to reach semis

Defending champions the Czech Republic are into the Fed Cup semi-finals after Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova led her team to a 4-1 victory over hosts Germany on Sunday. Kvitova’s 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-1 win against Germany captain Sabine Lisicki in the first match of the day put the Czechs into an unbeatable lead.

After Iveta Benesova’s win over Lisicki and Kvitova’s victory against Germany’s Julia Goerges on Saturday, the Germans were just left playing for pride as Angelique Kerber managed the host’s sole victory. She saw off Lucie Hradecka in straight sets for a 6-4, 6-4 win, but the Czechs finished here as they had started with victory in the doubles. Benesova teamed up with Barbara Zahlavovoa Strycova and they enjoyed a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) win over Goerges and Anna-Lena Groenefeld.

AFP