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The Italians won the Fed Cup final against the Russians 4-0 on the red clay at Cagliari. The tie seemed predetermined as the Russians were forced to draft in a depleted team.(4)Sharapova, (21) Kuznetsova and (24) Makarova were injured whilst (18) Kirilenko, (25)Vesnina and (26) Pavlyuchenkova opted to play at the Tournament of Champions. However, the tie wasn't as one sided as it looks.
On the first day, (13) Vinci was forced to battle for over 3 hours against an inspired (136) Panova before pulling out a 57 75 86 win. Panova led 5-2 in the second set and had 3 match points, and would also have a further match point serving at 5-4 in the third. However, despite suffering with cramps late on in the third, Vinci used the packed crowds energy to raise her level when it mattered most. (7) Errani had an easier time against (236) Khromacheva in the night match, winning 61 64 to give the Italian's a 2-0 lead going into Sunday.
Errani opened the second day emphatically with a 61 61 win over cancer survivor (183) Kleybanova 61 61 to seal the title. The fourth singles rubber was scrapped and Knapp and Pennetta completed the whitewash with a 46 62 104 doubles victory over Gasparyan and Khromacheva.
This is Italy's 4th Fed Cup title in 5 finals appearances and their first since 2010. Russia have now lost 6 of their total 10 finals played, including their last two since winning last in 2008.
