Anastasya Myskina /Getty Images

July 11, 2005 - A Fed Cup defending champions Russia defeated the United States 4-1 while France beat Spain 3-1 in the World Group I semifinals at the 2005 Fed Cup.

At Moscow’s Olympic Stadium, Anastasia Myskina was key to the Russian victory winning twice for her country in the best-of-five match tie. She defeated reigning Wimbledon champion Venus Williams 5-7 6-4 6-2 on Saturday and Sunday she beat Jill Craybas 6-2 6-4. World No.5 Elena Dementieva defeated Mashona Washington 7-5 6-4 in her opening match then lost to Williams 6-1 6-2.

In Aix en Provence, France’s Amelie Mauresmo, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, sealed the victory for her country with two singles wins: she beat Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-4 6-3 and Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-3, 6-1.

Mary Pierce defeated Llagostera Vives 6-4 6-4 to win the tie for France.

France will now play Russia at Roland Garros September 17-18. It will be a rematch of the 2004 final which was won by Russia 3-2.

Fed Cup is the premier team competition in women's tennis, launched in 1963 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the International Tennis Federation.

This week, the stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA tour will play the Internazionali di Modena in Italy.

The stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour will debut at the world class Rexall Centre in Toronto as part of the Rogers Cup August 13–21st. To purchase tickets please call 1-877-2-TENNIS ext. 4333 or visit on-line at <a href="http://tickets.rexallcentre.com/English/tickets.asp" target="_blank">www.rogerscup.com</a>

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