Russia defends Fed Cup title

Yesterday, the Russians had a fairly easy time of it, winning their first two Fed Cup final rubbers. Today was a different story. There were wild momentum changes in the third rubber, played by Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova and Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues. When Medina Garrigues was down 0-4 in the first set, she suddenly turned on some switch and began doing what she does best--using her head to confuse her opponent.

Using change-ups and hitting high balls, she confounded Kuznetsova enough to bring the match to 3-5. When Kuznetsova served for the match at 5-3, Medina Garrigues saved three set points, and went on to win the set, 7-5. The second set was not too difficult for Kuznetsova, who won it 6-3, but in the third--as one might expect--Medina Garrigues came roaring back to make trouble. Both players had opportunities they blew, and both produced some fine shots. In the end, though, Kuznetsova was able to win on her third championship point, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.