Czech holders blank Canada to enter semis

France, Russia and Germany take up the remaining berths

QUEBEC CITY: Defending champions the Czech Republic advanced to the Fed Cup semi-finals on Sunday, defeating hosts Canada 4-0 without dropping a set.

Karolina Pliskova defeated Gabriela Dabrowski 6-4, 6-2 to give the visitors an insurmountable 3-0 lead. The Czechs booked a spot against France in April's semi-finals, while Germany, last year's runners-up, will face Russia.

The Czechs were without fourth-ranked Petra Kvitova and 15th-ranked Lucie Safarova while the Canadians were without seventh-ranked Eugenie Bouchard.

"We are a great team without them [Kvitova and Safarova] and we did a great job here this weekend," said Pliskova.

Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova made a rare but decisive Fed Cup appearance on Sunday to help Russia reach the semi-finals, where they will face Germany.

Former world number one Sharapova defeated Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 7-5 to give her country an unassailable 3-0 lead in Krakow.

French Open champion Sharapova was playing just her fourth Fed Cup tie since her 2008 debut, but in order to make the Olympics next year all players have to make themselves available for the annual women's team tournament.

"It is a very important win for me," said Sharapova, who has often been criticised for not playing enough Fed Cup matches.

Williams sisters lead USA to victory

Serena Williams and sister Venus helped the US to a 4-1 victory over Argentina in the Fed Cup, with the Americans now advancing to the playoffs in April and having a chance to return to the World Group, which comprises the top eight teams.

Venus extinguished any Argentinian hope of a comeback as she beat Maria Irigoyen 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday.

Top-ranked Serena was rested through illness on Sunday, allowing Ormaechea to keep the Argentines in the tie by defeating substitute Coco Vandeweghe 6-4, 6-4.

However, Serena beat Irigoyen 7-5, 6-0 on Saturday as the US opened up a 2-0 lead on the opening day.

 

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.