The Netherlands raced out to a quick 2-0 lead on day one in Moscow, courtesy of upset wins from Kiki Bertens and Richel Hogenkamp. The second rubber featured Hogenkamp winning against Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-6 5-7 10-8, in the longest match in Fed Cup history. The match lasted exactly four hours.
Bertens Cruises Past Makarova
Dutch world number 106 Kiki Bertens got the Netherlands off to a good start with a 6-3 6-4 win over Ekaterina Makarova. Bertens played a spectacular first set, taking it 6-3. In the second, Makarova fought back, but Bertens held off the charge to take the set and the match. That would give the Netherlands an early 1-0 lead.
Bertens focused on consistency throughout the match, committing only 23 unforced errors. Bertens served exceptionally, cracking seven aces and making 65 percent of her first serves. The Dutch number one won 71 percent of the first serve points and 66 percent of the second serve points. "I think at the important points, I was just really focused. I was serving really good and I think that this was the key for this match,” said Bertens.
Bertens is now 12-1 lifetime in Fed Cup singles matches, showing her love for the big stage and representing her country.
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Hogenkamp Stuns Svetlana Kuznetsova
After four grueling hours, Richel Hogenkamp stunned two time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-6 5-7 10--8. Hogenkamp won a tight opening set, winning the tiebreak 7-4. In the second, Kuznetsova clawed her way back, winning it 7-5 to force a third set. In the finale, both players remained neck and neck with Hogenkamp eventually breaking late to take the match 10-8.
Hogenkamp played the match of her life to shock the Russian. Hogenkamp returned extremely well, breaking Kuznetsova seven times during the match. Hogenkamp's ultra aggressive game plan paid dividends with the Dutchwoman cracking 34 winners to help seal the upset win.
“It was an unbelievable match for me. I feel very good and I am very happy with this win,” said an exhausted but jubilant Hogenkamp after the match. "Against these players who are higher in the rankings, you do not get so many chances. If you get a chance, you have to take it."
She wrapped up her post-match comments saying, “It was tough for me as of course there were some things that were running through my mind when you get to 5-5 and you get some chances to win the match, but I was just trying to stay in the match and focus on what I had to do, and the most important thing is I believed I could win."
What's Ahead On Day Two In Moscow
On day two, the reverse singles matches take place with Svetlana Kuznetsova taking on Kiki Bertens and Ekaterina Makarova facing Richel Hogenkamp. If the Russians can battle back and win the next two singles match, the tie will come down to a decisive doubles rubber. Maria Sharapova and Daria Kasatkina would take on Cindy Burger and Aranxta Rus. The Dutch will need to summon all their magic again on Sunday if they hope to dethrone the Russians.