Pala proud of dominant Czechs

PetrPala

In front of a partisan Prague crowd, Petra Kvitova and Lucie Safarova wrapped up singles wins over Andrea Petkovic and Angelique Kerber respectively to move within one rubber of the title.

The Czechs did not drop a set, and were handed their third of the day to Safarova when Kerber shouted "come on" despite Safarova having a play on the ball on set point in the second rubber.

"I couldn't have asked for more," Pala said.

"Straight sets twice, great performance, I am very happy about the way the girls played. I think they were better on the court and they really went for it.

"We still have one more point to put under our belt and it's always the hardest one. It's never easy to win the last match. Germany are a very strong team, many great players in the team so we have to be ready for tomorrow."

Safarova said: "I am really happy because it was a great match.

"To beat a top-10 player here at home and especially leading 2-0 up on the first day is amazing. 

"The crowd were very important because every time I was down they were still cheering and pushing me forward."

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova said she was nervous before opening the Czechs' account with a win over Petkovic.

"It was a very tough match," said Kvitova. 

"I was so nervous, I really couldn't breathe too much. From the beginning I was so tight but I felt Andrea was the same way.

"From yesterday I felt a tight stomach and I couldn’t really eat. It was so weird. It's very difficult to just relax a little bit. 

"I am just glad how I played today. With these nerves it is really difficult to play my best tennis."

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