Russia defeats Poland 4-0 to advance in Fed Cup

Posted February 07, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a ball to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during the Fed Cup World Group first round match between Poland and Russiain Krakow, Poland, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) The Associated Press

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) - Maria Sharapova defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 7-5 Sunday as Russia advanced to the semifinals of the Fed Cup with a 4-0 victory in the World Group first round tie against Poland.

"It is never easy to play after a long journey, new surface and very little training on it," Sharapova said. "I tried to play my best tennis and I am happy that I won in two sets."

Sharapova hit a total of 39 winners on the indoor hardcourt, compared to 16 for Radwanska, and won the first set in 33 minutes.

Sharapova led the second set 5-3 before Radwanska broke her serve and then drew level at 5-5 after surviving two match points. Sharapova held her next serve and broke Radwanska again to win on her third match point.

Russia had a winning 3-0 lead after Sharapova's victory, which it increased to 4-0 after Vitalia Diatchenko and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat Klaudia Jans-Ignacik and Alicja Rosolska 6-4, 6-4.

Radwanska also lost on Saturday to Svetlana Kuznetsova while Sharapova beat Agnieszka's younger sister, Urszula Radwanska.

The second reverse singles on Sunday between Urszula Radwanska and Svetlana Kuznetsova did not take place.

Russia will host Germany in the semifinals after it beat Australia 4-1 in their World Group tie.

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after winning her match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during the Fed Cup World Group first round tennis match between Poland and Russia in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) The Associated Press

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland returns a ball to Maria Sharapova of Russia during Fed Cup World Group first round match between Poland and Russia in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) The Associated Press

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