The Czech Republic won their sixth Fed Cup on Sunday by defeating defending champions USA in front of a jubilant sold-out crowd in Prague.
Katerina Siniakova overpowered Sofia Kenin 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 in a heated back and forth match that lasted three hours and 45 minutes. Despite being 19-year-old and a debutante at the event, Kenin fought hard but was ultimately defeated by the 22-year-old French Open champion.
“It was an unbelievable match for me,” Siniakova said. “It was up and down. I am just terribly happy I won.”
The experience took center stage in the game and Siniakova had to persevere some great hits from the American before overpowering her in the end. The US team lacked sisters Serena and Venus Williams, who both have a combined 30 grand slams. Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys were also missing at the event.
The Czech side also had some injury concerns. World No. 8 Karolina Pliskova withdrew from the event earlier on while two-time Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova pulled out with an illness earlier in the week.
On Saturday, the US started the tournament with a loss to Czech Barbora Strycova who defeated Kenin 6-7, 6-1, 6-4. Siniakova doubled up the lead with a 6-3, 7-6 win over Alison Riske. The Czech Republic has now won the event six times in eight years.
