Fed Cup 2015: Latest Results, Updated Teams and Semifinal Draw Schedule
The final four nations are set for the semifinals of the 2015 Fed Cup, with Czech Republic, France, Russia and Germany putting in excellent quarterfinal displays.
The matches had a little bit of everything about them, as eight nations fought valiantly to keep their hopes of glory alive. Indeed, on this evidence we look set for some enthralling action in the final four of a competition that’s relentless in its reputation for churning out drama.
Here’s a look back at the results from the quarterfinal encounters and a look ahead to the semifinals set to be played later on in the year.
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| Czech Republic | 4-0 | Canada |
| France | 3-2 | Italy |
| Russia | 4-0 | Poland |
| Germany | 4-1 | Australia |
Semifinals will be played over weekend of April 18-19.
Czech Republic vs. France
The Czech Republic were one of the most impressive sides on show over the course of the quarterfinal weekend, as they were emphatic 4-0 victors over Canada. Karolina Pliskova was the star of the show for her team, beating Francoise Abanda and Gabriela Dabrowski on Day 1 and Day 2 of the match, respectively.
Despite usually showcasing a steely exterior, the Czech star was noticeably pleased with her win, per Matt Cronin of TennisReporters.net:
It’s France who face the unenviable task of getting the best of the holders, but after a stirring fightback in their own match against Italy, they’ll be confident of beating anyone. Amelie Mauresmo’s women fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against the Italians, showcasing some incredible fortitude and unrelenting determination.
As we can see here, courtesy of the tournament’s official Twitter account, Mauresmo was thrilled at her nation’s comeback:
Italy are not quite as fearsome an opponent as the Czechs, though. Even the Canadian team Twitter account was quick to hail their conquerors as the finest side on the planet:
The depth boasted by this Czech team should see them through again, leaving the French without an overall triumph in the Fed Cup for 12 years.
Germany vs. Russia
Maria Sharapova inspired Russia to a dominant 4-0 win over Poland in their quarterfinal. The world No. 2 was in sensational fettle for this one, dropping a meagre nine games in two wins over Agnieszka Radwanska, setting up an enticing semifinal showdown with a very capable Germany team.
The swift wins for Sharapova meant she had time aplenty to stick around and sign things for supporters, per Stuart Fraser of the BBC:
In Germany’s dynamic duo of Angelique Kerber and Andrea Petkovic, Sharapova could well meet her Fed Cup match, though. The latter in particular was hugely impressive in her nation's 4-1 win over Australia; Petkovic emerged victorious in two epic three-set matches against Samantha Stosur and Jarmila Gajdosova.
As noted by Ben Rothenberg of The New York Times, she was involved in two very draining battles on successive days:
With Sharapova rolling and the likes of Svetlana Kuznetsova playing a supporting role, Russia look as though they’ll have too much depth for this German team.
Petkovic and Kerber are both very capable players and dogged opponents, but the class of the aforementioned duo will guarantee points for the Russians and push them toward a fifth Fed Cup triumph.
All statistics and figures courtesy of FedCup.com.
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