Fed Cup action

The Czech Republic are closing in on their third Fed Cup win in four years after straight-set wins by Petra Kvitova and Lucie Safarova put the hosts in firm control in front of a sell-out home crowd.

Wimbledon champion Kvitova started with purpose, playing some aggressive tennis against Andrea Petkovic. It only took the Czech 77 minutes to secure a 6-2, 6-4 victory to kick off the proceedings.

"That was the tactics on the fast court, to attack from the very start," Kvitova said.

"I was nervous but so was Andrea and I was trying to capitalize on that," she added. "It was not the first time and I have experience to play like that. I'm just glad I did everything well."

The result meant that Kvitova levelled her career record against Petkovic, ranked 14th in the world, at 4-4.

The Czechs then increased their advantage in Saturday's late match with Safarova converting her third match point to win 6-4, 6-4 over Angelique Kerber.

"To beat a top 10 player and to lead 2-0 in Fed Cup at home is amazing," a beaming Safarova said, adding that Kvitova's win "helped me a lot."

"Lucy was playing great tennis, she served very well, and in the important moments she was there and hit the balls and that was the key," Kerber said.

On Sunday, in the reverse singles, Safarova faces Kerber but Kvitova could sew up the championship with a win against Petkovic. In the doubles, Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka take on Julia Goerges and Sabine Lisicki.

Germany have not won the Fed Cup in 22 years and have been runner-up on four occasions.

Rd / (AP, AFP, Reuters)