STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Iveta Benesova gave the Czech Republic a perfect start to the defense of its Fed Cup title, rallying from a set down to beat Sabine Lisicki of Germany 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 Saturday in the opening match of their first-round series.
Germany’s Julia Goerges was to face Wimbledon champion and second-ranked Petra Kvitova in the second match later Saturday.
The series will be decided Sunday with two reverse singles and a doubles match at Porsche Arena.
Germany’s 10th-ranked Andrea Petkovic was ruled out with a lower back injury.
