TNT Sports
France to face Russia
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Published 10/07/2005 at 14:38 GMT+1
Amelie Mauresmo sent France into their third successive Fed Cup final by beating Spain's Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-3 6-1 on Sunday. The world number three's 15th consecutive victory in Fed Cup matches gave the 2003 champions a winning 3-0 lead in their sem
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France will face Russia in a repeat of last year's final after Russia built an unbeatable 3-1 lead over the United States in the other semi-final in Moscow.
The final will be played at Roland Garros in Paris on September 17-18.
"We played them (Russia) away a few times over the past few years," said Mauresmo. "It will be great to play them before our home fans."
Wimbeldon semi-finalist Mauresmo had put France on course for the final when she opened proceedings by brushing past Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-4 6-3 on Saturday.
Mary Pierce, completing France's formidable singles line-up, had then given France a commanding 2-0 lead with a routine 6-4 6-4 victory over Llagostera Vives.
Mauresmo, who struggled at times on a windy day on Saturday, was always in control on Sunday.
She built a 3-0 lead in the first set and kept her composure when her opponent won the next two games.
The second set was one-sided, Llagostera Vives winning just the third game and eventually bowing out with a backhand error on the fourth match point.
"I played better than yesterday (Saturday)," said Mauresmo.
"I was slightly worried when she came back in the first set but I stayed in control."
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