SOCHI, RUSSIA: Russia moved into a two-rubbers-to-love lead against Germany after victories for Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who produced a stunning comeback to beat Sabine Lisicki in a tense three-set battle 46 76(4) 63.
The Russian had seemed down and out at the end of the second set after encountering numerous problems on her serve. However, the 24-year-old showed tremendous resolve to win through in two hours and 29 minutes on her third match point. The first set proved to be a tight affair as both players were looking comfortable on serve. However, a forehand down the line gave Lisicki the set after a marathon 10th game.
Pavlyuchenkova recovered and looked destined to level the match at a set all as she was left to serve for the set. At the most inappropriate moment, nerves started to creep into the Russian’s game as she double faulted twice in succession to hand the German a lifeline and send it to a tiebreak.
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