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Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev congratulates Vera Zvonareva (RUS)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Vania King (USA)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Vera Zvonareva (RUS)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Vania King (USA)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Vera Zvonareva (RUS)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
US captain Zina Garrison with Vania King (USA)
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Photographer: Golovanov/Kivrin
Date: 27 Apr 2008
27 Apr 2008 - Small Sport Arena "Luzhniki", Moscow - Nick Lester - RUS v USA
Zvonareva puts Russia into final
Russia will take on Spain in the final of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas after, as expected, overcoming a weakened American outfit in Moscow. This will be their first ever meeting in a Fed Cup final.

The home side, unbeaten in this city since 2003, picked up on Sunday where they left off on Saturday in sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead, but not before Vera Zvonareva, in for Svetlana Kuznetsova, was forced to come from a set down to defeat Vania King 46 63 62 in a match lasting just short of two hours.

It was Zvonareva's first Fed Cup showing in four years but the win built on her already stellar season, today's victory her 26th win of 2008. It came far from easily though with the American playing forceful, attacking tennis as she did yesterday when troubling Anna Chakvetdaze.

King makes confident start

King deserved the first set, breaking in the ninth game with winners off the ground from both wings, the first set the Americans had taken all weekend and their vocal bench at last had something to shout about.

After two years off red clay, Zvonareva was beginning to find her feet though and broke in set two to lead 4-2 and the match headed into a third set. Having staved off break point, three winners saw the Russian move up 2-1, and despite the lengthy games that ensued Zvonareva made a habit of winning the big points.

The Russian eventually served out the match at 5-2 to seal Russia's fourth Fed Cup Final in five years and admitted it was good to be back. “I haven't played for my country for a couple of years. It’s a pleasure for me to be back in the team. All the girls are really good, the coaches are great and I’m just happy to be part of the best team in the world.”

Tarpischev enjoys variety of options

Indeed, few would argue with that fact. It’s somewhat an embarrassment of riches with 15 women currently occupying places in the top 100 of the world rankings and for captain Shamil Tarpischev it’s yet more cause for celebration just a month after he turned 60 and was given the Order of Service, Fourth Degree by the Russian Government.

But while stability runs throughout the Russian ranks, for the US side it is time for change. After four years in the job Zina Garrison steps aside to allow Mary-Joe Fernandez to take over. The 36-year-old knows all about representing her country having twice won Olympic gold and will hope to have greater powers of persuasion in tempting USA’s leading lights to Fed Cup in 2009.

Garrison will move on to become a life coach and leaves with no regrets. "I think I did a great job. Four years we played Russia and lost so we've been unlucky; twice I came with a team that didn't expect to win and won." On the missing Williams sisters Garrison admitted to "disappointment" they couldn't make it.

Late on some pride was restored to the score with an upset win for Ahsha Rolle who defeated Elena Vesnina in straight sets 63 64. That was followed by a doubles win for King and Liezel Huber, making her USA debut, as they overcame Kuznetsova and Vesnina 76(3) 64.


Related Links on other websites
> Information in Russian - RTF
> Information from USTA

Related Links on Fedcup.com
> Tie Information
> Scorecards and stats from this tie
> Russia races to 2-0 lead
> USA in search of a "Miracle on Clay"

Related audio

  Interview with Vera Zvonareva (RUS) - day 2

  Interview with Vania King (USA) - day 2

  Interview with Ahsha Rolle (USA) - day 2

  Interview with Liezel Huber and Vania King (USA) - day 2

  Interview with Zina Garrison (USA) - day 2

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