The first day of the Fed Cup final has been played between the Czech Republic and the USA, without the presence of Petra Kvitová, who had to withdraw from her opening match through illness.
Rubber One
Barbora Strycova (Czech Republic) v Sofia Kenin (USA)
19 year old Kenin was making her Fed Cup debut, and Strycova was playing her last Fed Cup tie for her country.
After dropping her serve in the third game of set one, Kenin fought back to 3-3. Another exchange of breaks, and eventually a tie break resulted.
Kenin won four successive points to lead 5-2, and on her second set point took the lead 7-6(5).
Strycova saved two break points in the opening game of set two, then raced away to 6-1, taking advantage of increased unforced errors from the American.
The decider was even, but Strycova used her experience, winning the important points and converting an extra break opportunity to give the Czech Republic the initial edge 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4.
Rubber 2
Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) v Alison Riske (USA)
In a match of lost chances for Riske, it was the Czech Republic which won the day.
Up 4-1 with a break in the opening set, Siniakova was broken to love, and Riske was back on even terms. However, Siniakova struck again in the eighth game, and she it served out with ease to lead 6-3.
Riske led 3-1 in set two after cracking the Czech serve, but failed to consolidate after having 30-30 and deuce in the following game.
Serve was held by both players until Siniakova broke in the eleventh game.
Despite being unable to serve out the match, Siniakova dominated the tie break, and won 6-3 7-6(2).
The Czech Republic leads the USA 2-0 after Day One.
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