Return Winners: A look back at the 2005 Fed Cup Final

From 2000 to 2010, France or Russia appeared in the final of the Fed Cup on six occasions, with the two powerhouse nations competing against each other in consecutive season finales. Here’s a look at their second final-round encounter in the preeminent women’s team event in 2005.

Setting: In 2004 in Moscow, the home team captured its first Fed Cup title in history with a 3-2 win over France. On the quest to repeat in 2005, Russia stormed through its first two ties, beating Italy and the United States by identical 4-1 scores. The win over the U.S. was all the more impressive as Venus Williams was competing in the tie.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, France also breezed through its first two matches, defeating Austria, 4-1, and then knocking off Spain, 3-1. The top two seeds set themselves up for a rematch, but this time, France would have the home-court advantage, choosing to play at the home of Roland Garros in Paris.

The Final: In the first singles tie, 2000 French Open champion Mary Pierce went up against 2004 French Open finalist Elena Dementieva. Pierce lost the first set, but then stormed back to take the second. In the end, though, it was the Russian who prevailed, winning 6-1 in the third.

Next up was 2004 French Open champion Myskina against Amelie Mauresmo. The Frenchwoman overwhelmed Myskina in straight sets. In the first of the reverse singles matches, though, Myskina was unable to replicate her play and lost to Dementieva in three sets. Next, Pierce defeated Myskina in three sets to even the tie at 2-2.

Just like in 2004, it came down to the doubles. Myskina was replaced with Dinara Safina as partner to Dementieva, and the pair defeated Mauresmo and Pierce in three sets to seal the victory for Russia, 3-2. Dementieva, responsible for all three points, pulled off one of the great Fed Cup final feats in the event’s history.

15

The total number of Grand Slam singles finals reached between all the players who took the court during the 2005 final tie.

1

For the time being, Amelie Mauresmo is the only player from the final to be named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She’s also the only one that never made a French Open semifinal.