BIRMINGHAM, Alabama: Elena Dementieva downed Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to lift Russia into a 1-1 deadlock with host United States after the first day of their Fed Cup semi-final tie.
Dementieva connected on 72 percent of her first serves and converted three of her five break-point chances while surrendering her serve only once in the match, which lasted 1hr 42min.
American Melanie Oudin had defeated Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-3 in the singles opener to give the US women the lead. Oudin smacked 18 winners and took advantage of 39 unforced errors by Kudryavtseva to win in 78 minutes.
The indoor hardcourt matchup will be decided on Sunday, when Dementieva meets Oudin and Mattek-Sands will face Kudryavtseva. A closing doubles match will settle the outcome if the US and Russia split singles once again.
Either the Americans or Russians will face the winner between Italy and the Czech Republic for the championship, with the Italians sweeping both singles matches Saturday to seize a 2-0 lead on the outdoor clay at Rome.
The Americans were without Serena and Venus Williams, both absent because of leg injuries.
