KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP)—Francesca Schiavone has given Italy an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the Fed Cup quarterfinals after rallying to beat Kateryna Bondarenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Schiavone struggled in the first set and was broken twice, but then raced out to a 5-0 lead in both the second and third.
Earlier Sunday, Flavia Pennetta beat Alona Bondarenko 7-5, 7-6 (3) to put Italy ahead 2-1.
Both players struggled with their serve in that match, which saw nine breaks, but Pennetta proved stronger at the end of each set.
Bondarenko held a 4-2 lead in the first set and had a break point for 5-3 before Pennetta rallied, and the Italian then dominated the second-set tiebreaker to clinch the win.