TENNIS in DEPTH.

Italy bids to end a 9-tie losing streak when it takes on USA in the 2009 Final this weekend. The Italians have never defeated the Americans in Fed Cup and have won just 3 rubbers in their 9 previous meetings. In the 1986 quarterfinal in Prague, Italy took a surprise 1-0 lead when Sandra Cecchini handed Chris Evert her first ever Fed Cup singles defeat, ending a 29-match undefeated streak, before USA hit back to win.

Italy is through to its 3rd Fed Cup Final in 4 years and is looking to win its 2nd Fed Cup title, having defeated Belgium to lift the Cup in 2006. It defeated former champion France in the 1st round before surprising defending champion Russia in the semifinals.

USA has gone the distance in both of its ties this year, defeating both Argentina and Czech Republic by winning the deciding doubles rubber. It has reached its first final since 2003 and is bidding to win its 18th title – but first since 2000 – in Reggio Calabria. This is the longest gap between US Fed Cup successes.

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