Australia is on the verge of promotion to the Fed Cup World Group after US Open winner Samantha Stosur and Jarmila Gajdosova put their team 2-0 up in the play-off against Germany in Stuttgart.
Stosur, ranked fifth in the world, needed a tie-break to see off Angelique Kerber 7-6 (7-1), 6-4.
Gajdosova, 50th in the world, then blasted Julia Goerges, ranked 16 in the world, 6-4, 6-4 to put Australia firmly in control ahead of Sunday's three remaining matches.
Just one more win would give Australia promotion from World Group II.
"I gave a good performance. I was playing well and I kept the momentum of my game," said Stosur, who needed one hour and 41 minutes to see off Kerber, ranked 14th in the world.
"There is always pressure on both players to win the first point for your team. For Angelique because she is playing in front of her home crowd and for me as I'm ranked higher.
"Of course, it helped having won the first set. It eases you up and you can stay focused and calm. I know that everybody is expecting me to win two points for Australia and I will do my best."
Gajdosova says she is happy to have torn up the form book and consolidated Australia's lead.
"I felt very comfortable, played more winners and made fewer mistakes so that was what proved to be in favour for me in the end," said the Bratislava-born Gajdosova.
"I know that on paper Julia should have got this match, but I am happy that I didn't allow her to come forward with her game and that I could get the second point for my team."
Stosur is back in action in Sunday's first reverse singles, when she takes on Georges, while Gajdosova is then scheduled to face Kerber.
In the doubles, specialist Anna-Lena Groenefeld is due to partner Andrea Petkovic against Australian pair Casey Dellacqua and Fed Cup debutant Olivia Rogowska.
AFP
Tags: tennis, sport, germany First posted April 22, 2012 06:38:22
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