BRISBANE, Australia : Andrea Petkovic closed out a 6-1, 7-6 (7) win over Sam Stosur on her fifth match point Saturday to give Germany a 1-0 lead over Australia in a Fed Cup semifinal.
Germany No.1 Angelique Kerber will attempt to give her country a 2-0 lead when she faces Australia's Casey Dellacqua in the next match at Pat Rafter Arena.
The reverse singles will be played on Sunday, followed by doubles. Ashleigh Barty and Dellacqua, who reached three Grand Slam doubles finals last year, are expected to play doubles for Australia.
It is Australia's first semifinal appearance since 1993, and the country is trying to win the Fed Cup for the first time since 1974.
Czech Republic and Italy are playing in the other semifinal this weekend. The final is Nov. 8-9.
