Errani, Vinci Lead Italy To Fed Cup Title Over Russia

The dyanamic duo of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci paced the Italians to the 2013 Fed Cup title over Russia on Sunday in Cagliari, Sardinia. Behind Errani and Vinci, Italy entered the day with a 2-0 and today Errani wrapped up the title with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Alisa Kleybanova.

“We are very happy,” said 26-year-old Errani. “It was a very good week for us. I am happy with how I played.

“I know Alisa, she is a great player, so with a lot of tension every point was important for us and it was not easy but I am really happy. I was focused on every point, there was tension, there is a lot of people here and it means a lot for us.”

Kleybanova, who had battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma two years ago, was playing in her first clay match since 2011.

“It wasn’t easy for me because I haven’t played on clay for a long time,” said the 24-year-old Kleybanova. “To go on court after such a long break against such a tough opponent was not great conditions to try to feel your game, do something and try to get into the match. As soon as you make a couple of errors the match flies away so quickly so I didn’t have much time to do a lot.”

The win was Italy’s fourth title in eight years, following previous victories in 2006, 2009, and 2010.

ITALY defeated RUSSIA 4-0
Venue: Tennis Club Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardinia, ITA (clay – outdoors)
Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Alexandra Panova (RUS) 57 75 86 (saved 4 mp)
Sara Errani (ITA) d. Irina Khromacheva (RUS) 61 64
Sara Errani (ITA) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 61 61
Roberta Vinci (ITA) v. Irina Khromacheva (RUS) not played
Karin Knapp/Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Margarita Gasparyan/Irina Khromacheva (RUS) 46 62 [10-4

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