Russia defeats Spain, earns fourth Fed Cup championship

There were hugs all around for the Russian Fed Cup team this weekend.

The defending champions, led by Svetlana Kuznetsova, defeated Spain going 4-0 to win their fourth Fed Cup championship in the last five years ('04, '05, '07, '08.) They now stand behind the US (17), Australia (7), Spain and the Czech Republic (5) in terms of total Fed Cup titles.

So the Russians owned the medal stand at the Olympics and have now won their fourth Fed Cup title all without their top lady baller, Maria Sharapova. Seriously, either their pool of talent is scary deep or their need for Shrieka is truly overhyped.

(image via Getty)