Russia, France Ousted in Fed Cup

Two-time defending champion Russia and last year's runner-up France were notable exits during the weekend's Fed Cup quarterfinals:

Belgium d. Russia 3-2

The duo of former No. 1s Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne proved too much for the Russians, with Henin-Hardenne blowing out Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-0 to clinch it for the Belgians.

"I really enjoyed it," Henin-Hardenne told reporters. "It's only in this situation, especially at home, that you feel this atmosphere, you get this feeling."

In the doubles dead rubber, Russian teens Maria Kirilenko and Dinara Safina beat Clijsters and Henin-Hardenne 7-6(4), 7-5.

Belgium will face the U.S. in the semifinals.

Italy d. France 4-1

Francesca Schiavone played hero on Sunday with a three-set win over world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, setting up Italian countrywoman Flavia Pennetta to clinch the tie with a straight-set win over Nathalie Dechy.

"I showed courage when I was match point down and then managed to win the tiebreak," Schiavone told reporters. "In the final set, Amelie dropped her standard a little and I seized my chance. Considering the player I was up against and the problems I had to overcome, I would say this is the most beautiful win of my career."

Spain d. Austria 5-0

Lourdes Dominguez Lino, Anabel Medina Garrigues and Mar�Sanchez Lorenzo beat up on an equally-no-name Austrian squad to advance into the semifinals to host Italy.

"We have a very strong team and a strong new player in Dominguez Lino," said Spanish captain Miguel Margets. "Medina Garrigues also proved why she is the Spanish No. 1. There was a big gap between the top two teams and Spain in terms of points since Conchita [Martinezz] and Arantxa [Sanchez-Vicario] left, but now we are creeping closer step-by-step."

U.S. d. Germany 3-2

Jamea Jackson led the starless U.S. squad with two singles wins, including the clincher over Martina Muller 7-6(2), 6-2 on Sunday to put the Americans in the semifinals where they will travel to Belgium.

"I am extremely proud of my team," said American captain Zina Garrison. "We hit together, fight together and have dinner together. I couldn't wish for a better spirit. I've known [Jackson] since she was 11 years old. She improved a lot in the last months. I never saw her playing better."

The World Group semis will be held the weekend of July 15 and 16 after Wimbledon.