Serbia, Belgrade: Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova (2R) and Alisa Kleybanova (R) shake hand with Serbia's Ana Ivanovic (2L) and Jelena Jankovic (L) during their Fed Cup World Group I tennis match on February 7, 2010, in Belgrade Arena. (AFP Photo / Andrej Isakovic)
Fed Cup: Russia outplay Serbia in 5-match thriller
Published 08 February, 2010, 01:21
Russia's goal of a third fed cup triumph in four years remains on track after a tough opening round clash with Serbia.
Shamil Tarpishchev's team edged the hosts 3-2 overall.
Jelena Jankovic gave the homeside a 2-1 lead on Sunday after a three-set win over Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Alisa Kleybanova then equalised matters with victory over former world number one Ana Ivanovic.
That meant it was all down to the doubles rubber, which Russia sealed with ease in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
Russia will now meet the US in the semi-finals, while reigning champions Italy will contend with the Czech Republic.
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