By Jack Massey
Russia has won their fourth Fed Cup title in five years, defeating Spain 4-0 in Madrid. Russia’s dominance of women’s tennis showed through as the team, even without Maria Sharapova and Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, won easily.
On the back of Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova’s triumphs in the first round of singles, over Anabel Medina Garrigues and Carla Suavez Navarro respectively, Kuznetsova sealed victory with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 win over Medina Garrigues.
Kuznetsova, the World No.7, struggled early, losing the first set despite having five set points. However, her class shone through as she reduced her amount of unforced errors, winning in two hours and 40 minutes.
Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Marakova then won the doubles 6-2, 6-1 over Spanish pair Suárez Navarro and Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-2, 6-1, highlighting the gap between the respective nations. Kuznetsova was excited after the win, saying “We’re showing that Russia is really on top…it’s just great, I’m so proud.”