Porsche Team Germany has clinched a place in the Fed Cup final. Angelique Kerber secured the decisive point in the semifinal against Australia in Brisbane with a 4-6, 6-0, 6-4 win over Samantha Stosur. It will be Germany’s first appearance in the final since 1992 when Steffi Graf, Anke Huber, Barbara Rittner and Sabine Hack won the title. The opponents in the final on 8 and 9 November will be either the Czech Republic or title-holders Italy.
“It was a big step. I’m simply so happy and proud of my girls. They’ve been incredible,” said team captain Barbara Rittner who, immediately after the triumph, had no thoughts about the final: „We first of all just want to enjoy the moment.
Angelique Kerber with nerves of steel
After Andrea Petkovic und Angelique Kerber had given Porsche Team Germany a commanding 2-0 first day lead, the German No. 1 had the chance to wrap up the tie early on. And Angelique Kerber took the chance in the duel between the teams’ top two players. Playing the former US Open champion Samantha Stosur, against whom she had never won, she was soon a set down. Playing better and better she, with nerves of steel, converted her first match point after 2 hours 14 minutes with an ace.
„It’s amazing,” said the 26-year old German who celebrated the win boisterously along with her teammates on the Centre Court in the Pat Rafter Arena. „We wanted the final at all costs. Now we’ve done it. I’m so unbelievably proud of the whole team.”
Czech Republic or Italy waiting in the final
The fourth singles between Andrea Petkovic and Casey Dellacqua was, in accordance with Fed Cup rules, not played. In the concluding doubles, Julia Görges and Anna-Lena Grönefeld lost 6-2, 6-7, 10-2 to Casey Dellacqua and Ashleigh Barty.
In the second Fed Cup semifinal, the Czech Republic have a 2-0 lead going into the second day of their tie against title holders Italy in Ostrava. Should the hosts reach the final, they will also have the right to stage the final. If however Italy wins, the Fed Cup title will be decided in Germany.
Next stop: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
Porsche Team Germany left Brisbane on Sunday evening local time via Dubai for Stuttgart where all four players will be appearing at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Whilst Angelique Kerber has a first round bye as the No. 4 seed, her teammates will in all probability have to play their first round matches on Wednesday. Andrea Petkovic will be up against Flavia Pennetta (Italy) and Julia Görges will face Sorana Cristea (Romania). Anna-Lena Grönefeld will team up with Julia Görges in the doubles.
