Russia retains Fed Cup crown

14 September, 2008, 21:08

Russia's dominance of women’s tennis continues. They've retained the Federation Cup title after a clean sweep in Madrid. Beating the Spanish 3-0.

World Number 7, Svetlana Kuznetsova, had the chance to secure the trophy for her country as she went up against Anabel Medina-Garrigues.

But it was the Spaniard who took the opener 7-5, to give the home side hope.

However, Kuznetsova soon hit back to level the match up at a set all. The Russian wasn't playing her best tennis, but was hitting winners when it mattered.

She was left to serve out for the match 5-4 up, and sealed victory, when her opponent put a backhand long.

Kuznetsova's 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory gave Russia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the best of five series.

So Russia retained the Federation Cup. This is the fourth time they've won the trophy in the last 5 years.