Fed Cup - Sara Errani e Roberta Vinci: quante volte ancora vedremo questo abbraccio?

Photo: Ray GiubiloSara Errani and Roberto Vinci (ITA)

RIMINI, ITALY: Doubles world No. 1's Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani clinched a thrilling tie on home soil by defeating Liezel Huber and Varvara Lepchenko 62 62 much to the delight of the partisan crowd. The Italians will now play reigning champions Czech Republic at home in April's semifinals in what is sure to be a thrilling tie.

Earlier in the day Varvara Lepchenko stunned Sara Errani 75 62 to give USA a surprise 2-1 lead in the third rubber, before Vinci levelled proceedings at 2-2 with a 62 46 61 triumph over Jamie Hampton.

"Roberta reacted like a great champion," Italy captain Corrado Barazzutti said. "She went out there after all the problems of yesterday, got them out of her head and played two very good matches. That's the mark of a champion.

"They both played a great match and Roberta did a couple of really exceptional shots at the net. I don't really say much to them when they play, they're the best, what can you say? I try not to bother them when they play, they know each other so well. They're the strongest in the world, so I don't have to do anything."

Vinci improved her perfect record in Fed Cup doubles to 18-0 - the best doubles record in Fed Cup history - as Italy clinched a third successive victory over the USA.

"It's maybe the best day of my career," Vinci said. "We really wanted it, we were very tired but today we managed to show a lot of heart, a lot of personality. We are a great team. I had to have various treatments and physiotherapy, massages almost until midnight. Yesterday was a horrible day and I'm glad I managed to come back today.

"I felt a bit of a drop in form in the second set (of the singles) and I did get worried. I was in difficulty but I did well to get out of it. It doesn't matter who wins at the end of the day, what's important is that Italy wins. Sara was very upset, very angry (after her defeat) but losses happen."

It was the USA who surprisingly broke first in the opening set, but the Italian duo reacted in the best way possible, breaking Huber's serve to love as they took the next five games and the set. Huber and Lepchenko saved two of the Italians' three set points but Vinci closed it out at the net.

The start of the second set was again balanced until Italy broke to take a 3-1 lead, with Vinci again brilliant at the net to stop a stunning shot from Huber and set herself up for a winning smash. The Americans broke straight back, but the Italians' decisive break came immediately after.

Huber and Lepchenko threatened to break again but Vinci rescued two break points as she managed to hold her serve before clinching the match in the next game with a splendid volleyed lob.

"We have had a successful and fun weekend," Huber said. "Of course it's very disappointing today not to win, disappointing to lose again to them, that's what hurts the most. But I think each one of us thinks that this is the best weekend of the year and next time we'll be more experience.

"They (Vinci and Errani) are the weapon. They're like sisters and best friends, they can read each other's body language. That's why they're No. 1 and think they'll be that for many years to come. They both have different styles and they stick to that. I really enjoy watching them play, but not against me!" [...]

(Fonte: fedcup.com)