US edges past Russia to reach Fed Cup final

The United States advanced to a Fed Cup final rematch with defending champion Italy on Sunday with a dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory over Russia.

The United States advanced to a Fed Cup final rematch with defending champion Italy on Sunday with a dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory over Russia.

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Americans Liezel Huber and Bethanie Mattek-Sands defeated Russia’s Elena Dementieva and Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-1 in the decisive doubles match of the indoor hardcourt tie after the teams split singles matches Saturday and Sunday.

The Americans were without Serena and Venus Williams, both absent because of leg injuries.