Italy takes over as No. 1
Date published :
10 Nov 2009 - 16:46:19
Following Italy's Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final victory on Sunday, Corrado Barazzutti's team is now top of the ITF Fed Cup Nations Ranking for the first time in its history.
Italy defeated USA 4-0 in Reggio Calabria to secure its second title in three years. This comprehensive win meant the Italians leapfrogged Russia, the 2008 champion.Flavia Pennetta was the star of the show in the Final. She eased past Alexa Glatch 63 61 in the opening rubber of the tie and then clinched the decisive point by defeating Melanie Oudin 75 62. Pennetta, along with Francesca Schiavone, who also triumphed in straight sets against Oudin on Saturday, have formed the foundation of Italy's Fed Cup team in recent years. Both players were in the side that won the title in 2006.The ITF Fed Cup Nations Ranking was launched in 2002. A new rankings list is published after each World Group round, taking into account results from the previous four years.Check out the latest rankings.
