Harkleroad earns US win over Germany

Fed Cup debutant Ashley Harkleroad sealed victory for the United States over Germany in their world group first round tie with a hard-fought 6-4 7-5 win against Sabine Lisicki last night.

Harkleroad, 22, came from 4-1 down in a second set littered with unforced errors to give the hosts an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-rubber tie at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

The US advance to an away semi-final on April 26-27 when they will meet defending champions Russia, who posted a 4-1 victory over Israel in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

Earlier yesterday, Lindsay Davenport swept aside Germany's Julia Goerges 6-1 6-2 in the first of the reverse singles matches after the teams began the day locked at 1-1.

"I played better today although I still have some ways to go," a smiling Davenport told reporters. "Most importantly I got a victory to put the team up.

"I was so disappointed with how I played Saturday. Normally I have played so well in Fed Cup and I felt so badly for my team- mates.

"That (Saturday) was one of my worst matches in a long time so I was really anxious and eager to try and turn it around today and get on the board for my team-mates and give Ashley a chance to try and clinch the match."