Czech Republic beats Spain 3-2 in Fed Cup tie

All the rain in Seville undoubtedly worked in the Czech Republic's favor in the conclusion of the first Fed Cup tie of 2014. A sick Lucie Safarova recovered sufficiently to play the fourth rubber--a singles match against Silvia Soler-Espinosa. Safarova was also awarded that opportunity when her teammate, Klara Zakopalova, won the first singles rubber of the day. Zakopalova defeated Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 .

Carla Suarez Navarro won the third rubber. She defeated Zakopalova 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. The deciding doubles rubber went to the Czechs: Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Andrea Hlavackova, both accomplished doubles players, defeated Suarez Navarro and Soler-Espinosa 7-6, 6-3.

The Czech Republic, one of the most successful Fed Cup teams of recent times, will face defending champion Italy in the semifinals, while Australia will compete against Germany.