Dementieva to Play Fed Cup

The Russian tennis player has been invited to play at the Fed Cup in Belgium later this month. Teaming up with her are Petrova, Maria Kirilenko, and Dinara Safina. Last year they defeated France (and it was entirely fun to watch! Especially the doubles match!) but who knows how the Russians will do this year.

Dementieva is known to be a fierce competitor especially when playing for her country. A major example of that was her huge effort last year over France when she beat both Mary pierce and Amelie Mauresmo before partnering Safina to take the decisive doubles rubber.

But in the last time these two teams met Elena wasn’t very happy in the outcome. Belgium leads the Head-to-head by 2-1, the last clash being in 2001 when Belgium claimed the title in the final over Russia. In that tie four of the eight players assigned for this year’s tie contested the final, these being none other than Petrova and Dementieva for Russia and Clijsters and Henin for Belgium. Henin beat Petrova 6-0; 6-3, while Clijsters beat Dementieva 6-0; 6-4.

However, recent matches, especially between Dementieva and the two Belgians stars, may turn the tables around. Dementieva beat Clijsters later last year in Filderstadt and forced the Belgian to three sets again in Antwerp this year before falling. Also, in the semis of Indian Wells Elena came back from the brink of defeat versus Henin to claim a hard-fought 2:6; 7:5; 7-5 victory in almost three hours.

Last year’s Fed Cup was excellent. I’ve never had so much fun watching a doubles match as I did watching Mauresmo and Pierce against Dementieva and Safina. Even though they lost, the French players looked to be having a blast out on the court, and that made it entirely worthwhile.

I’m hoping for a rematch.

(source)