Fd Cup by BNP Paribas: Poland - Russia 0:3
Poland – Russia 0:3
Agnieszka Radwanska – Maria Sharapova 1:6, 5:7. The match between the two top seeds sealed the deal for Russia in their quarterfinal match of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.
Agnieszka Radwanska put up a great fight, showed the spectators some phenomenal tennis and some of her signature strokes. Not enough to win.
It started out badly for team Poland – 0:4. Radwanska had a break point but Sharapova was just too fast, too strong and too focused today. Her loud grunts accompanied her subtle drop shots and smart combination play, which is usually the domain of Agnieszka.
The set ended 6:1 Maria. She led 5:2 in the second and just when it seemed to be over the Pole rallied back, saved two match points and won three games in a row bringing it to 5:5. The crowd was ecstatic. Ultimately however the Russian proved too strong but the Pole showed some really good tennis.
– I was ready for her best tennis, she was playing extremely well against Ula yesterday. Unfortunately I lost the second set but she played the ending perfectly.
Practically without any errors. – summed up the match Agnieszka Radwanska.
– This was an important victory for me – stressed Sharapova. – It is never easy to play for your country, especially away ties at new venues. I am very happy with this win. I am also very pleased – and I say this on behalf of my whole team – with the way we were treated here in Cracow. The spectators were great and know how to appreciate good tennis – she said.
The Poles are out of the tournament but there is no shame in losing to a great team.
After all the Russians have reached the final four times too.