Czech Republic Takes 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Title Over Serbia

November 12, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Lucie Safarova defeated Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 6-1 to clinch a second consecutive Fed Cup by BNP Paribas title for the Czech Republic over Serbia on Sunday. After the Czechs won the final’s opening two singles rubbers, Petra Kvitova, who had won her last 11 Fed Cup encounters, was expected to clinch the trophy against Ivanovic in the first of Day 2’s reverse singles.

"It’s hard to describe how I feel. I played an unbelievable game," Safarova said. "I desperately wanted to win and I’m really delighted. It’s fantastic to win at home, in Prague. I played one of the best matches of my career."

No team in the 50-year history of the Fed Cup has ever overcome a 2-0 deficit in the final, and it was evident from the early stages of Safarova versus Jankovic that the record books were not about to be re-written. Safarova dominated from the outset with crisp groundstrokes from either wing, taking the first four games on her way to the first set before breaking twice early in the second to send her hurtling towards the finish line. Another down-the-line forehand winner on match point wrapped up the win and sparked wild celebrations among the 13,000 inside the O2 Arena.

"Here at home in this type of crowd, it’s indescribable, it’s an amazing feeling," Safarova said after the match. "There are so many emotions and happiness and that is the feeling we are practicing for every day, even if you’re not in the mood to work."


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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