Russian revelation

Fresh off first WTA title, Dementieva headlines Fed Cup tie

MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Elena Dementieva, fresh from winning her maiden WTA crown last week, hopes to lead Russia into the Fed Cup quarterfinals against under-strength Croatia when they meet in a first round, World Group tie this weekend.

"I didn't expect to play any singles matches here," said Dementieva following Friday's draw, which pitted Russian No. 1 Anastasia Myskina against Karolina Sprem in the opening singles rubber.

Dementieva takes on former French Open champion Iva Majoli in the second match on Saturday.

The reverse singles will be played on Sunday, followed by the doubles match in which Russians Elena Likhovtseva and Elena Bovina face Majoli and Matea Mezak.

"I thought Bovina would play singles for us because she was ranked higher than me a week ago," said Dementieva, who jumped eight places on the WTA ranking list to No. 13 following her victory at Amelia Island in Florida last Sunday.

"Otherwise, I would have given myself a rest last week instead of playing in America because I have always considered the Fed Cup competition more important than WTA tournaments."

Last week, Dementieva beat top seed Justine Henin-Hardenne, one of the hottest players on the tour, and former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport on the way to her first career title.

Although Dementieva has beaten Majoli in all five of their previous meetings, she did not think it gave her an edge.

"We last played each other two weeks ago in Charleston and it was a very tough match," said the 22-year-old Muscovite.

"Besides, it was on clay, and here we have a faster indoor carpet, so I expect another tough match against her."

However, the Russians are considered strong favourites because the Croatians are missing two of their top players, Silvia Talaja and Jelena Kostanic, through injuries.

"Russia has a very strong team, they are big favourites, but we must wait for our chances," said Croatia captain Goran Prpic.

"The Russians have so many good players they could have fielded two Fed Cup teams," added Majoli, who did not let her poor record against both Dementieva and Myskina dampen her spirits.

"Sometimes you put extra pressure on yourself when playing at home," said the 25-year-old Croatian, who beat then-world no. 1 Martina Hingis to win the French Open title in 1997.

"I thought I should have won the last match against Elena and I haven't played Anastasia for a long time, so I feel I have a good chance now. I just want to play two good matches here and hope I can win some."

Meanwhile, Russian captain Shamil Tarpishchev warned his players against being overconfident.

"There are no weak teams in such a competition," he said.

"Probably we have a little bit better chance to win, but you have to be careful not to underestimate your opponents. In any case, everything will be decided on the court."

 

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