OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC: Czech Republic's title defence continued with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Italy in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinals at the CEZ Arena. The reward for the Czechs is a home tie against Serbia in the Final on 3-4 November.
World No. 3 Petra Kvitova was the hero once again as she recorded two singles wins to take her ongoing unbeaten run in Fed Cup to 10 matches. Lucie Safarova was also on target for the hosts, who wrapped up proceedings inside three rubbers by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead.
The result sees Czech Republic leapfrong Italy into No. 1 spot in the new Fed Cup rankings. This is the first first time the Czechs have reached top spot, a position the Italians had occupied for the last three years.