LIMOGES, FRANCE: Julia Goerges took Germany through to April's World Group play-offs after a 64 62 win over Pauline Parmentier in the third rubber of the weekend.
"It is always great to get the last point for Germany, it is a pretty good result for us," said Goerges of her win. It certainly is a good result for Germany who had lost to the French on the last two occasions that they had played this century, in 2004 and 2010, and were trailing 4-2 overall.
Goerges was full of compliments on Parmentier's game and considered her a very talented player.
It is a disappointing weekend for new French captain Amelie Mauresmo, who had secured the services of Marion Bartoli on the team only to lose her to flu. Bartoli was due to return to the team after a nine-year absence.
The French skipper thinks it will be difficult to keep their place in World Group II such is the strength in women's tennis, while German captin Barbara Rittner knows that her team could potentially be champions one day soon, but for now they are an "elevator" - always going up and down.
Both Germany and France will hear of their opponents on 13 February when the World Group and World Group II play-off draws take place in London. Both ties will be staged on 20-21 April.
Captain Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) - 10/02/2013
Captain Barbara Rittner (GER) - 10/02/2013
Julia Goerges (GER) - 10/02/2013