The German team has experienced little success in recent years, last reaching
the semi-finals in 1995. Despite a 3-2 defeat to USA at home in Ettenheim in the
first round of the 2006 World Group and a loss to China in the Play-offs,
Rittner said she was proud of her team.
"Four players did not come here for various reasons. I think we played really
good matches, including the doubles match, and the atmosphere from the fans was
great. From my side, I should say a big thanks to my team. There is a good
future ahead of us. We will have a lot of fun together."
Belgium vs Italy in final
Kim Clijsters led Belgium to victoy over the United States in their Fed Cup
semi-final yesterday, setting up a date on home turf with Italy in the final in
September.
In a gritty display, Clijsters, the world No2, steamrolled her American
opponent Vania King, standing in for Jill Craybas who had pulled out sick, in
straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.
The win gave Belgium an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.
The tie was marked by missing stars with home favourite Justine
Henin-Hardenne, as well as American heavyweights, the Williams sisters and
Lindsay Davenport all absent.
Italy reached their first Fed Cup final yesterday when Flavia Pennetta
overcame Spain's Lourdes Dominguez-Lino 6-2, 6-4 to give her team an
unassailable 3-1 lead in their semi-final.
Spain, making their third consecutive semi-final appearance, trailed 2-0
after Saturday's opening singles rubbers but pulled a point back in Sunday's
first match when Anabel Medina Garrigues powered to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over
Italy's number one Francesca Schiavone.
However, the home side's hopes of a comeback victory
were extinguished by Pennetta's gritty win in the suffocating heat.
