Hantuchova is not on the team in number, says Liptak
Fed Cup team coach Matej Liptak acknowledged that when Dominika Cibulkova to foam. We must be careful, he admits.

6th Feb 2017 18:48 MILOSLAV ŠEBELA

BRATISLAVA. Slovak tennis players this year, returning to the world's elite. Unexpectedly lost the Davis Cup with Hungary, although they were favorites.

Now awaits duel in the second. World Group Slovak tennis player. Against the Italians are not the favorite.

Captain Matej Liptak had nominated miss two best women players - Dominika Cibulkova and Kristína Kucova.

Cibulkova wants this season to focus on individual career Kucova troubled by a knee injury.

Čepelová knows what it is to be the leader

Team leader of the Jana Cepelova (101 in the WTA rankings). In this position he was three years ago in a battle against Canada.

"Then it did not work in our favor. I have not won even one singles. I believe that this time it will be better. I do not feel that pressure," saying Čepelová.

The Italians Sara Errani and Francesca Schiavone, however, has a negative balance 0: 2nd

Cepelova embark except for Slovakia and Rebecca Šramková (119), Anna Carolina Schmiedlová (252) and veteran Daniela Hantuchova (248). Tridsaťtriročná tennis player playing in the Fed Cup since 1999.

Hantuchová not only to the number of

"We are weakening and Daniela can be of great benefit. He can give young players experience. When we talked about it together, it was tilted and in Italy wanted to go, even though he knows that may not even play," said Liptak.

"But I would not take it just to do some extras. It is valid toys. Still wearing of hard work and can board. Fed Cup matches are different tournaments. A special Daniela has always been a toy to be in the Fed Cup was able to whip up another performance," said kouč.x

Slovak tennis player has not played against an Italian once. In 2002, they won the semifinal of the competition 3: 1 and then triumphed in the finals.

"Italians are the favorite. We are outsiders, but we will try to surprise. The team have experienced Schiavone, who won the Fed Cup three times. He has a lot of experience. May no longer performing as well as it once was, but is also a specialist on clay, where they will play," calculates Liptak.

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Slovaks tried in Forli surface, with the team already Hantuchova

07/02/2017 | 19:23 FORLI - Slovak tennis player Jana Cepelova Rebecca ŠRAMKOVÁ the Tuesday first tried the clay in the Italian Forli - Theater of the weekend match 1st round II. Federation Cup World Group.

For a team has arrived from Rome and Daniela Hantuchova and evening should be complemented by a trio Anna Carolina Schmiedlová, having returned from the ITF tournament in Orlando doliečovala in Bratislava.

"Indoor clay PalaGalassi freshly laid, the organizers working with it is still soft, but the weekend should be fine. Our toys already trained in the morning and afternoon of Talianok I saw Francesca Schiavone," reported the official Slovak Tennis Association Ľubomír Páleník, team leader of the Slovak Republic.

"The hall is near the hotel where I live. Friday, the day of arrival, it was raining, but today was nice, 10 degrees and sunny. He was interested I was, what is the interest in the meeting. He says interest is. The hall has a capacity of five thousand seats, I wonders how the full, " added Páleník.

Italians have enjoyed for Dominika Cibulkova, at Forli in a meeting with Slovak, however, last year's winner of World Cup WTA Tour in Singapore will not see. Zverenky coach Mateja Lipták, who is also the Fed Cup captain, because priority was given to an individual program of the tournament. "Dominica is not on the poster," said the head of Slovak expedition.

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Example demonstration of representation: Hantuchova you for this worthy of admiration!
today, 10:34

BRATISLAVA - Slovak Fed Cup team captain Matej Liptak considered Italian tennis players big favorite for weekend match 1st round II. World Group. Pets will be on clay in Forli miss Roberta Vinci, the new captain Tathiana Garbin, however, will be available to Francesca Schiavone, who just the "Red Sand" achieved the greatest successes. In 2010, he triumphed at Roland Garros in Paris.

"Vinci was the leader of the team. It is high on the leaderboard and is very experienced, several times won the Fed Cup. Clay can be her weakest surface, but in the lobby it is nevertheless other than outside. Vinci is able to overcome any tennis player and even can play perfectly debla, so that the Italians is a slight weakening. on the other hand, they have a team Schiavone, in which I and the count. this is similar to the type of the players as Vinci, except that it does not have the high Ranking position or performance. However, it is red clay specialist and the slowest surface performs his best tennis. It has a lot of experience that are in Fed Cup duels very important, " stressed Liptak.

Slovakia and chief benches has rutinérku team, 33-year-old Daniela Hantuchova, for which the Fed Cup "Heart". "Daniela can be for our team of great benefit in terms of experience. Can young players to pass to the next match new information. In Australia I was with her on the subject talking. She was identified with this position and wanted to go to Italy, even though she knew it may not even play. certainly not in our team only in number. Daniela is our best deblistka and nowhere is it written that can finally play well in singles. I have four balanced by the players and decide based on how I will appear for training. "

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Analytical and a perfectionist. Daniela Hantuchova still loves tennis
# 2017 Fed Cup #Daniela Hantuchova
Adam Zelinka | 09.02.2017 08:58

On the high ourt released the girl with long legs, auburn hair and exceptional tennis skill. It teenager age, character models.

He collects the balls
It was the end of October 2002, and Daniela Hantuchova his great career still rozbiehala. First steps do so in the Fed Cup. In the semifinal of the competition he passed the extremely demanding test. Defeated much more experienced (about eleven years older) The Italian Silvia Farina Eliova. Slovakia to secure second in the final accounting for the differential point. And to contribute to advance to the finals, after which the area around Captain Thomas Malika heaving over the heads of the famous trophy.
Poprad native was clearly the youngest on the team. Nineteen years a girl surrounded by nine years older Janette Husarova, five years older Henrieta Nagyova and three years older Martina Sucha.

"If I then someone said with iTalk also played in 2017, I might have him for a second believed. I am grateful that I can represent again," referring Hantuchova week ago fans through Facebook.

The former fifth player of the world will not miss Forli - Theater of the opening round II. World Group Fed Cup, where they face the Slovaks an Italian home. While Less than fifteen years ago was Hantuchova in the position of team Benjamins, this time will give out advice and experience. By Jana Cepelova it is older by a decade of Anna Carolina Schmiedlová eleven, from Rebecca Šrámkova about thirteen years.

The youngest member of the team even once to collect one of the best on the planet tenistiek ball matches. "I am pleased that Daniela is among us. Came despite the fact that it can be played even one game, " he says before traveling to Forli team captain.

It is not only the number
What role will therefore be Slovak veteran during a weekend meeting?
"Daniela is a guarantor of the fact that every issue apart from most. Not only physically, but also in terms of feedback and seize the chance. Compared to the other it has one huge advantage - knowing best grueling. I think that in addition to Matej Liptak also play another important role. Teammates can adjust well. However, advice from girlfriends of the player of the team is perceived differently by the coach, " said Karin Cíleková-Habšudová.ourt released the girl with long legs, auburn hair and exceptional tennis skill. It teenager age, character models.

Former world number ten with Hantuchova met in Fed Cup team seven times - in 1999, when the younger of Sloveniek in the Fed Cup began, until 2001, when the team ended Habšudová. Three times together in the national colors presented in švorhre.

"Daniela know very well. Already at a young age he has led the Committee to analyze the situation. Slovak to select the positive can be a great point. Certainly not only in number. Of course, I can not estimate gaming comfort, long seen her. But in terms of mentoring perspective, this is an excellent choice," says Cíleková-Habšudová.

The fact is that Hantuchova has had the best years long past. In the ranking has dropped to third hundred, the Grand slams must play qualifications. As the last Australian Open after losing in the first round.

Nevertheless, the Slovak team greatly help - especially for non-participation Dominika Cibulkova and Kristina Kucova.

"Still one of the excellent tennis player. At least in doubles should onset, it has held in particular, the experience, " says Vladimir Pláteník. "Daniela is a great perfectionist. I experienced it during the months of preparation for tennis is doing everything still love Don. Girls will work with her great experience. If only her presence will motivate them, " he says coach budding Russia Daria Kasatkinovej.

Slovaks are in the midst of a big gun. From the player's point of view it is already Hantuchova Although their day, but her personality radiates a rare energy. Will it impact strong enough to care for the Slovaks land of surprise favorite?

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Daniela's going to play doubles with Rebecca Sramkova against Paolini & Trevisan. Cepelova and Sramkova are the singles players.

Introduction: Schiavone - Čepelová

Italian duo Francesca Schiavone and Slovak Jana Cepelova unit arrival on Saturday at 15.00 against each other in the opening singles match 1st round II. World Group tennis Federation Cup. In a second single on clay in Forli they compete against Sara Errani and Slovak Fed Cup debutante Rebecca Šramková. Friday's ruling on the ticket in City Hall.

Sunday's program in the lobby opens at 13.00 PalaGalassi combat units of team Errani and the blade, then the court should enter Schiavone and Šramková. The final doubles nominated new captain Tathiana Garbin of Italy Jasmine Paoliniová couple, Martina Trevisanová, head of Slovakian Matej Liptak benches would have to come up with tandem Šrámková, Daniela Hantuchova. The Italian will miss their leader of Roberta Vinci. Slovaks arrived without global majors Dominika Cibulkova, which this year focuses on individual tournament program and the injured Kristina Kucova.

The main referee is a German Norbert Peick, in the role of arbitrators is presented empajrových Frenchman Pascal Maria and a German Miriam Bleyová. Play with balls Dunlop Clay Court. It will be the second mutual match of the two countries in the history of the prestigious team competition. In 2002, the Slovak team, won the semi final of the tournament in the Spanish Maspalomase 3: 1 and graceful ride finally ended gain valuable trophies. Two points then fought Janette Husarova - The current Fed Cup trainer, third Hantuchova added.

Šramková about her Fed Cup debut learned Friday morning. "We gave morning coffee and Matej Liptak told me that on Saturday parade. I counted on the fact that I could play, but the captain said he is open to all and decide only on the basis of training. I'm glad you gave me confidence. Already he gave me some advice. I will try to listen to it during the match and I hope this works out. I believe my game will Errani pay." Čepelová you believe against Schiavone, although in mutual balance loses 2: 0. "The whole week we trained hard and I believe it will play a key role in the match. Italians have a great team and they play at home, will have the support of the fans, but we have nothing to lose. She ran to them and try to surprise. Clay is even softer, but I believe that in the match hardens a bit. "
Liptak decided on the opening day Not To Build Carolina Schmiedlová, although clay is her favorite surface. "Jankawith Rebecca sat on the best type Schiavone with Errani. I hope I made the right choice. Schiavone is an experienced toys that can mix punches, but Janka could find the recipe on her game. Errani plays typical clay court tennis, Rebecca's aggressiveness could pay for it. In training he is showing in a very good light. Has the game to Errani defeated. "

Errani has not played a competitive match since mid-January, when skrečovala combat with the Russian Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open Grand Slam. "Is a nasty thing of the past. In recent days, I had a fever, but fortunately, the following problems passed away. the match at Forli, in the Emilia Romagna region, will be very emotional for me, i feel a great responsibility. I look forward to the hall PalaGalassi be added to encourage family members and many acquaintances and comrades, " said finalist at Roland Garros in 2012.
Schiavone is glad starts. " At least I can adjust my time schedule. It's great that 15 years from Fed Cup debut, can still be part of the team. I will try to get to Italy first point, " said 36-year-old veteran. Garbin warns Sloveniek understatement. "In Fed Cup Ranking position is always relative. Slovenky I carefully studied through videos, they do not sell the skin cheaply. It will be a difficult match. " (TASR)

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SCHIAVONE TO LEAD ITALY INTO BATTLE IN FORLI
10 Feb 2017 Ian Chadband

Veterans Francesca Schiavone and Sara Errani will lead's Italy campaign to retake its place among the Fed Cup elite in their World Group II tie against Slovakia

FORLI, ITALY: Francesca Schiavone, one of the great players in Fed Cup by BNP Paribas annals, is determined to enjoy one last glorious year battling for Italy in the competition she has graced with such distinction.

On the eve of the World Group II tie against Slovakia in Forli on Friday, the 36-year-old four-time champion, who announced last month that this would be her final year in the sport, reflected on how the Fed Cup has inspired her down the years and talked of her desire to go out on a high by propelling her country back into the World Group elite.

Extraordinarily, Schiavone last played against Slovakia in the Fed Cup when she came up against 19-year-old starlet Daniela Hantuchova in the singles in the 2002 semifinal. On Friday, at the draw in Forli’s rather grand old town hall, it was heartwarming to see that both these grand old warriors were back having laugh with each other before one last joust.

"It’s fantastic. I really appreciate to have this opportunity one again. I don’t think I’d have believed if if you'd told me 15 years ago that me and Francie would be back in another tie together," smiled Hantuchova.

The 33-year-old is scheduled to play in the doubles but Schiavone, the second oldest woman in the world’s top 100 behind Venus Williams (who is just six days older), is savouring the responsibility of kicking off the whole tie in the opening singles - the 43rd of her Fed Cup career - against Jana Cepelova.

Cepelova is ranked one place below her opponent at No. 101 and has the responsibility of leading the Slovaks in the absence of Dominika Cibulkova, who’s taken a year’s sabbatical from the competition.

Schiavone says she sees her farewell to the tournament as a way of saying thanks to the fans and teammates who supported her during the glory years for the Italian team when they lifted the trophy in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013.

"It’s true, I’ve had great success in the Fed Cup. It’s meant a lot to me and I’ve enjoyed it a lot," said Schaivone, who played in the first three of those finals and was also member of their squad three years ago.

"I feel good about my decision to retire. It’s come from me. It was my decision, it’s my feeling and now I feel free to play, to enjoy, and to give some thanks to the people who have supported me and fought with me for 15 years. It’s time to say thanks to this sport."

Her new team captain Tathiana Garbin will be hoping the experience of Schiavone and Sara Errani and their expertise on the clay court of the PalaGalassiarena will also help inspire the two newcomers to the Italian team, Jasmine Paolini and Martina Trevisan, as the Italians rebuild.

"We need time, of course. We have a glorious past but now we have to think about the future with the young girls," said Garbin, who reckons that taking over from the remarkably successful long-standing captain Corrado Barazzutti is a "dream" for her.

Her team are strong favourites to prevail and earn a shot at the play-offs but opposition captain Matej Liptak is hopeful that the very promising Slovak debutant, 20-year-old Rebecca Sramkova, who has shot up the ranking to world number will make a good account of herself when she takes on Errani in the second singles rubber on Friday.

The full draw is listed below:

Saturday

R1: Francesca Schiavone (ITA) v Jana Cepelova (SVK)
R2: Sara Errani (ITA) v Rebecca Sramkova (SVK)

Sunday

R3: Sara Errani (ITA) v Jana Cepelova (SVK)
R4: Francesca Schiavone (ITA) v Rebecca Sramkova (SVK)
R5: Jasmine Paolini/Martina Trevisan (ITA) v Daniela Hantuchova/Rebecca Sramkova (SVK)

Let's play Dani !! Good luck to beautiful Slovakia !!

Daniela played and won her single in straight sets I think..

A great win for Slovakia . Daniela absolutely vapourised Errani 6-2 6-0 before Rebecca Sramkova beat Schiavone 6-2 6-4 to clinch the tie.

Italy - Slovakia 1: 2
Slovak tennis players lead in the 1st round of meetings II. Federation Cup World Group over domestic Italy 2: 1. On the second point for the team captain Matej Liptak is on clay in Forli care Daniela Hantuchova, who, after a concentrated performance outclassed physically incapacitated Italian troops Sara Errani 6: 2, 6: 0th

The experienced Slovak replaced in Sunday's initial Singles originally nominated by Jana Cepelova, team unit still suffer stomach problems. Sloveniek procedure in the April World Group Playoff be definitively seal Rebecca Šramková if number two triumph over Italian Francesca Schiavone.
Hantuchova came home game against Errani, when he twice broke serve grueling and built up a lead 4: 1st Fed Cup rutinérka returnovala quality, with longer aug exchanges could start and finish a winning return to the exposed part of the areola. Errani had increasing problems with her calf, the score 1: 4 asked for a medical time out and headed to the locker room for treatment. After a brief pause Hantuchova lost the serve, but then again Errani Break and the first set became its prey. In the second act Hantuchova completely dominated the court in the lobby PalaGalassi after two breakaways Errani rebounded to 4: 0 and sore aug given him "canary".
Hantuchova was satisfied after romp. "I expected it will be a difficult match, because Sara is a very high quality tennis player and played at home. For a long time I did not play such an important duel, so I have it very happy. I am very satisfied with the demonstration of the game. During the match, I registered that Sara tormented and has difficulty moving. I tried not to concentrate only on myself, I went Shaman in Shaman. I am proud, as I struck because the hardest is always the master terminal. if necessary, I am ready to take and the final doubles " she said in the first interview right on the court.

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Great, Slovakia progressed!

Slovak tennis player finally broken in the April promotion round participation in the World Group Fed Cup. In the 1st round duel II. World Group does a sensational lead over domestic Italy for 3: 1. The decisive third point for the team captain Matej Liptak is taken care of Rebecca Šramková that in a duel of team experienced twos defeated Francesca Schiavone smoothly 6: 2, 6: 4. Fed Cup debutante became the main heroine of the weekend in the lobby PalaGalassi on Saturday cope with Italian troops Sara Errani.

Sloveniek triumph on a hot Italian soil is even more valuable to have entered without the two most senior player wore Ranking Dominika Cibulkova and Kristina Kucova. Liptáková Zverenky recognize their grueling in the promotion round global elite eight (22 to 23 April) on Tuesday at 11:00 CET when the ITF headquarters in London on the agenda lot. Slovaks in it are likely to feature among nenasadenými teams. Last played in the World Group in 2014, in the promotion round when not enough in Quebec for Canada.
Šramková she joined the Slovak Schiavone by the second point, which gained Daniela Hantuchova after smooth triumph over Errani. Talented Slovak continued the excellent performance of Saturday. Played aggressive, he dictated the pace in comparison with the duel against Errani improved administration. In the first set twice broke Schiavone service that has been too passive in the exchanges. The second act is Šramková quickly took the lead 2: 0, the score 4: 2 Schiavone again Break and a chance to gain points for the third Slovak colors already out of the hands let go. Schiavone has declined to 4: 5, but in the tenth geme turned Šramková in their own service thanks ace on her first match point.
After the match was a huge joy. "Get in the Fed Cup debut two points on Italian soil, it is something incredible. In important moments I maintained a cool head. I play power tennis and so I hope that in the course of the season I will be particularly healthy. Regarding my Ranking objectives, I would I got into the first world hundreds and then in the first sixties, " she said in the first interview right on the court.

Schiavone passed Šrámkova compliment. "Aug played very well, got me under a lot of pressure. In the second set I was playing better, does not hold me service. Rebecca won deservedly. It has character and the good shots. If you repeat the feat of the Fed Cup this weekend, has a chance and potential to once she becomes the world's top toy. "

Tathiana Garbin of Italy captain was after the failed Fed Cup debut disappointed. "I regret that we are at home confirmed the role of favorites. Sara Errani she started against Hantuchova handicapped calf injury that has limited her movement. Šramková filed against Francesca, as well as on Saturday against Sare excellent performance. I expected at the end of nervous, but acted rutinérka you like. It will now be very important that we keep in world Eight Ball. "

Forli relative to the second match of the two countries in the history of the prestigious team competition. In 2002, the Slovak team, won the semi final of the tournament in the Spanish Maspalomase 3: 1 and graceful ride finally ended gain valuable trophies. Two points then fought Janette Husarova - The current Fed Cup trainer, third Hantuchova added. (TASR)

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Again, tennis joy

The victory of Slovakia over Italy in the Fed Cup are enjoying not only the players and the realization team, which is with them in Forli tied for joy, but also with the Slovak Tennis Association and many tennis fans at home in Slovakia.

Igor Moska, general secretary of STZ: "overpower Italy, quadruple Fed Cup champion, at home on clay, it is a fantastic result. Congratulations to our team, which was able to Forli. An excellent performance was the premiere of Rebecca Šramková, a quick game on the grueling paid. Advance to the playoff of the global group, meaning struggle to participate between 8 najlešími teams of the world, it is a great success for the young team, with the support of an experienced Fed Cup record holder Daniela Hantuchova. "

Tibor Macko , president STZ: "Congratulations captain Matej Liptak to the fact that in a difficult situation, he managed to build a great team and perfectly prepare it. Rebecca Šramková played over the weekend fantastic for his performance against Sare Errani and Francesca Schiavone deserve discharge. Well played Daniela Hantuchova today too. it's a great result. Young ladies good luck in the promotion round world group. "(STZ, TASR)

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SRAMKOVA POWERS PAST SCHIAVONE TO COMPLETE SLOVAKIAN VICTORY
12 Feb 2017Ian Chadband
Rebecca Sramkova and Daniela Hantuchova dominated day two in Forli, handing Slovakia victory and consigning Italy to the World Group II play-offs

FORLI, ITALY: Wins for Daniela Hantuchova and Rebecca Sramkova completed a famous victory for Slovakia away at Italy, leaving the home side battling to avoid relegation in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II play-offs in April.

This tie was always likely to be tough to call, with Slovakia's world No. 5 Dominika Cibulkova absent. What was surprising by the end of day two, however, was just how simple a task Slovakia had in winning a tie that had looked finely poised after day one had finished with the teams level at 1-1.

Hantuchova defeated a clearly-injured Sara Errani 62 60 in one hour and 17 minutes, before Sramkova overcame the ever-stubborn Francesca Schiavone 62 64 in one hour and 13 minutes.

Sramkova has been a revelation on her Fed Cup debut this weekend, first recovering from a set down to defeat Errani on Saturday before displaying impressive mental fortitude to see off Schiavone in the fourth rubber.

The 20-year-old was broken as she served for the match at 5-2 in the second, but managed to hold her nerve when she stepped up to serve out for the second time, finishing with an ace out wide past the Italian.

Earlier, Hantuchova put in a thoroughly impressive performance, overpowering Errani for the loss of just two games in her first act of the weekend to put Slovakia 2-1 up on Italy in impressive fashion on Sunday.

The big-hitting 33-year-old showed just why she is the most successful player in Slovakian Fed Cup history, blitzing the Italian 62 60 in just an hour and 17 minutes.

She fired 35 winners in all - including 26 off her fiercesome forehand - to leave the dimunitive Errani chasing shadows throughout much of the encounter.

It rounded off a miserable weekend for Errani in front of her home fans, having lost a three-set battle against Sramkova in yesterday's second singles rubber.

The Italians must now win a World Group II play-off in April to avoid dropping into Zone Group I for the first time since 1997, while Slovakia have a shot at returning the World Group, ending a three-year spell in the competition's second tier.


SRAMKOVA POWERS PAST SCHIAVONE TO COMPLETE SLOVAKIAN VICTORY
12 Feb 2017 Ian Chadband
Rebecca Sramkova and Daniela Hantuchova dominated day two in Forli, handing Slovakia victory and consigning Italy to the World Group II play-offs

FORLI, ITALY: Daniela Hantuchova and Rebecca Sramkova, the glorious past and the shining future of Slovakian tennis, joined forces to provide a memorable Fed Cup by BNP Paribas victory on Italian clay in Forli on Sunday.

Hantuchova, 18 years on from her Fed Cup debut, stepped into the breach as a substitute singles player to beat tearful, injury-stricken Sara Errani 62 60 before 20-year-old Sramkova completed the most sensational debut weekend in the World Group II tie by overpowering Francesca Schiavone 62 64 to give the visitors an unassailable lead.

Sramkova, who was partnering Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, couldn’t quite complete a perfect unbeaten weekend as she suffered a hip problem and was pulled out during the dead doubles when they were 5-2 down to Jasmine Paolini and Martina Trevisan, leaving Slovakia as 3-2 victors overall.

“It was just as a precaution,” victorious team captain Matej Liptak explained. “We didn’t want to take any risks after her great weekend.” With a potential diamond like Sramkova, why would he?

The new girl and the old heroine combined to produce a victory for Slovakia that was as magnificent as it was unlikely after the visitors went into the tie without their world number five Dominika Cibulkova, only to have her replacement as number one, Jana Cepelova, go down with illness on the eve of combat.

Hantuchova watched her young teammate, Sramkova, complete the win with her second striking performance of the weekend after she had also outlasted Errani on Saturday and declared: “I’m so proud to be in this team. This is great for tennis in Slovakia.”

Sramkova looks to be a magnificent find. This felt like a coming of age weekend for the girl from Bratislava as she blitzed 69 winners en route to blowing away two world-class clay courters with Schiavone finding both her power and her all-or-nothing approach a bit disconcerting.

“She has the quality and character to be a top player,” represented high praise from the 36-year-old Schiavone, who conceded that this could well have been her farewell performance in the competition she has won four times in blue.

If so, Sramkova ensured there would be no fairytale goodbye as she carried on where she left off against Errani, cracking two big forehand winners in the opening game to signal her danger and, after breaking for a 2-1 lead, consistently keeping Schiavone on the back foot, breaching her delivery again in the seventh game before putting away a volley, her 13th winner of the set, to draw first blood after 35 minutes.

When Sramkova won the first eight points of the next set, it was soon damage limitation time for the home favourite, who tried to get the crowd in the intimate PalaGalassi arena more involved when the Slovakian was serving for the match at 5-2.

This is where Sramkova proved her mettle. The crowd started getting on her back, Schiavone had a heated debate with the pair umpire and her concentration seemed to be slipping as the veteran battled back to 5-4.

Yet at the second time of asking, Sramkova, who is coached by her father and has a touch of Martina Hingis in both her facial expressions and her steeliness, held her nerve, crashing a backhand winner down the line to earn match point and then coming up with a sixth ace to seal victory after 73 minutes.

The opening tie of the day was painful to behold for the home fans as Errani, struggling with an adductor injury she picked up in the third game, was really in no fit condition to play and ended up cutting a tormented figure as Hantuchova proved in no mood to offer any mercy.

By the end, after Errani, who has also been bogged down of late by calf problems, had been forced to take a medical time-out at 4-1 down in the first set in the locker room, Hantuchova was in such command on the resumption that she was able to drop shot the Italian number one’s serve with impunity.

It was cruel but brilliant and nothing should be taken away from the 33-year-old stand-in who, beginning her 31st tie 18 years since she made her debut in the competition, played quite beautifully, hammering 35 winners, especially from a clockwork forehand, in the 77-minute demolition job.

The years seemed to peel off the woman who lifted the title in 2002 but who has had such little match practice of late, just one singles in the whole of 2017, that she’s drifted to number 242 in the world. It felt like a terribly misleading stat; class is permanent.

For Hantuchova, the delight simply coursed through her. “When Matej told me I was playing, I was happy like a kid. Obviously to win is beautiful, but at this stage of my career, I don’t need motivation of having good results, I’m playing because I love it.

“It’s still about the joy I have inside and as long as I have that I’m going to play, whether I’m 200 or 10 in the world.”




Tennis-Fed: Hantuchova: "It was great to play again after 15 years the Italians" (3)

Forli February 12 (TASR) - Slovak tennis players lead in the 1st round match II. Federation Cup World Group over domestic Italy 2: 1. On the second point for the team captain Matej Liptak is on clay in Forli care Daniela Hantuchova, who, after a concentrated performance outclassed physically incapacitated Italian troops Sara Errani 6: 2, 6: 0th The experienced Slovak replaced in Sunday's initial Singles originally nominated by Jana Cepelova, team unit still suffer stomach problems. Sloveniek procedure in the April World Group Playoff be definitively seal Rebecca Šramková if number two triumph over Italian Francesca Schiavone.

Hantuchova came home game against Errani, when he twice broke serve grueling and built up a lead 4: 1st Fed Cup rutinérka returnovala quality, with longer aug exchanges could start and finish a winning return to the exposed part of the court. Errani had increasing problems with her calf, the score 1: 4 asked for a medical time out and headed to the locker room to the treatment. After a brief pause Hantuchova lost the serve, but then again Errani Break and the first set became its prey. In the second act Hantuchova completely dominated the court in the lobby PalaGalassi after two breakaways Errani rebounded to 4: 0 and sore aug given him "canary".

Hantuchova was satisfied after romp. "I expected it will be a difficult match, because Sara is a very high quality tennis player and played at home. For a long time I did not play such an important duel, so I have it very happy. I am very satisfied with the demonstration of the game. During the match, I registered that Sara tormented and has difficulty moving. I tried not to concentrate only on themselves and play aggressive, I went Shaman in Shaman. I am proud, as I struck because the hard part is always handle end. it's never easy to play against toys who is injured. These matches are often tricky. If necessary, I am ready to take the final and doubles, " she said in the first interview right on the court.

Hantuchova is happy that she could after 15-year break again play against the Italians. "Ever since I learned that I Maťo Liptak nominated for the match in Forli, I was very of which enjoyed and appreciates it. Today's game I really enjoyed. I did not wait the moment when I'm on the court before the Italian audience that I am very satisfied, because it is lively. whole week was fantastic, I hope that with a good end for us, "she told TASR Slovak Fed Cup record holder. Errani was sorry that the calf injury not bring a full-fledged performance. "Saturday's trojseťák against Rebecca ŠRAMKOVÁ gave me a hard time. I was hoping to go now, but with advancing minutes, the calf pain escalated. I did not want it so I retired, he bravely continued in the match."

Italians missing in Forli their leader of Roberta Vinci, Slovaks arrived in Forli without Dominika Cibulkova and injured Kristina Kucova. This is the second mutual match of the two countries in the history of the prestigious team competition. In 2002, the Slovak team, won the semi final of the tournament in the Spanish Maspalomase 3: 1 and graceful ride finally ended gain valuable trophies. Two points then fought Janette Husarova - The current Fed Cup trainer, third Hantuchova added.
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Slovakia is the second point: Hantuchova Errani canary nadeline

Hantuchova was satisfied after romp. "I expected it will be a difficult match, because Sara is a very high quality tennis player and played at home. For a long time I did not play such an important duel, so I really enjoyed it. I am very satisfied with the demonstration of the game. During the match, I registered that Sara is worried and has difficulty moving. I tried not to concentrate only on themselves and play aggressive, I went for Shaman Shaman. "

"I'm proud of how I struck, as is always the hardest to master terminal. It's never easy to play against toys that are injured. Such matches are often tricky. If necessary, I am ready to take the final and doubles, " she said in the first interview right on the court.

Hantuchova is happy that she could after 15-year break again play against the Italians. "Ever since I heard that I was nominated for Mato Liptak match in Forli, I really enjoyed it out and weighed it. Today's game I really enjoyed. I could not wait the moment when I'm on the court before the Italian audience, which suits me very well because it is lively. The whole week was fantastic, I hope that with a good end for us, " she told TASR Slovak Fed Cup record holder.
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In recent years Errani has rubbed some of us the wrong way for one reason or another. I just read a more detailed synopsis of this match. Daniela could instantly see that Errani was very hobbled. On her serve, Dani ruthlessly won many points by drop shotting her. At 0-2 in the 2nd, Errani had tears in her eyes while serving.
No problemo with Daniela exploiting a clear advantage from my end. It's what you do. I guess I should tip my hat to Errani for even trying to play for her country. But whatever issues she caused for Dani and for us over the years....it's all good, we are even now.

Slovaks celebrated in the hotel, Šramková complained to viewers

02/13/2017 | 13:35 BRATISLAVA - quality Italian dishes and a glass of local wine Slovak tennis players celebrated an unexpected, but pleasant to the procedure through the home team (3: 2) in the 1st round match II. Federation Cup World Group in Forli.

Slovak captain Matej Liptak representation at Monday's press conference after returning to Slovakia praised the performance of "comet" Rebecca ŠRAMKOVÁ and "fixed stars" Daniela Hantuchova. Also closely he approached as in a great team atmosphere born of zvereniek excellent result.

"The celebration was a classic. The super atmosphere after winning the match we went to a good dinner. And in Italy's great food. We had a glass of wine and then we celebrated in the hotel. We enjoyed it as it should be" approached Liptak then He has dedicated key moment of confrontation.

Decided to have the two points, only 20-year-old debutante ŠRÁMKOVÁ in singles. First, she defeated Sara Errani Domestic unit 2: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 and then Francesca Schiavone and 6: 2, 6: 4. Lipták her performance a pleasant surprise: "Rebecca, of course, I know, but probably not so. In training I have been trying to get the first two days to understand what her options, her style of play. And that proved ideal for Italian players. Be foreseen to aggressively defeated Italians."
"The question was, how they handle debut. It is a courageous, likes big match, and when I told her to go play, said she was extremely pleased. And I like that. Then it was only about to deliver on the agreed tactical things and to gradually soak up the atmosphere and every moment on the court feeling better. It succeeded and it is a good promise for the future. "

Šramková mastered the difficult conclusion decisive confrontation in which it experienced Francesca Schiavone tried with the support of the noisy audience stride in the last attempt to twist.
"In the end, we concentrated only on what you need to play. It was not easy. Francesca can make such a theater," said Liptak. Young Slovak but he managed to repeatedly.

"I not only was not an audience that cheered and screamed. That's all right, after all, were at home. It bothered me, however, between the first and second service, that began to scream. It's not a sport," said the 119th player of the world for which it was to handle the most difficult moment of the initial stress of the first representation starts.

"Yeah, I was at the beginning of stress, but then on the court was leaving. I believed that to them we have, and that was probably the main key to success. By Malay me educate my style games, so I have not had no choice but to play aggressively. Initially, I did not know what to expect. I hope this victory will be a good representative for me to start. My dream since childhood was to play Fed Cup and win a match for Slovakia, "she said.

Hantuchova not only get points confirmed its position in the team. In the absence of Dominika Cibulkova it was also a kind of mentor ŠRÁMKOVÁ. Also according to Lipták he worked on it perfectly.
"I could not wait to embark on court. I felt that the Italians have. I think that says it all, we feel that we can succeed. I am happy as I have the game mastered. Tactics Rebecca was in charge of Mato . I told her that it was particularly enjoyed. nothing we expect from it and what matches took place. I will say it was an honor for me to watch, " she expressed the 33-year-old winner of the Fed Cup in 2002.

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