Moscow, Nov 24: The French victory was especially sweet for Forget, who became the second person to lead his country to both Davis and Fed Cup titles, repeating the feat of compatriot Yannick Noah. Noah captained France to their first Fed Cup crown in 1997 when they beat the Netherlands 4-1 in the final. Forget, who first won the Davis Cup as a player in 1991 with Noah as coach, also captained France to the title 10 years later. The defeat for the United States also ends Martina Navratilova's record of never being on the losing side in a Fed Cup tie, which stretched back to her debut with Czechoslovakia in 1975. The Americans, playing in their 26th final, were chasing a record 18th Fed Cup crown.


France led 2-0 lead after the first day, with Mauresmo beating Lisa Raymond 6-4 6-3 and Mary Pierce overcoming Shaughnessy 6-3 3-6 8-6.

Bureau Report