FED CUP Chronicles: Russia and Czech Republic reach final and other notables

The FED CUP final was set over the weekend with Russia and the Czech Republic coming out on top in their respective semifinals.

Vera Zvonareva sealed the win for the Russians when she defeated Roberta Vinci 6-4, 6-2 to give them an unbeatable 3-0 lead. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeated Sara Errani in the fourth rubber while Pavs + Ekaterian Makarova teamed up to defeat Alberta Brianti + Maria-Elena Camerin in the fifth to give the Russians a full sweep. The team also guaranteed home court advantage for their attempt at a fifth FED CUP crown.

In the other semifinal the doubs team of Iveta Benesova + Barbora Zahlavova Strycova clinched the tie for the Czech Republic 3-2 over Belgium when they defeated Yanina Wickmayer + Kirsten Flipkens 6-4, 6-4 in the fifth and deciding rubber. It's their first appearance in the final since becoming an independent nation in 1994; the won it 4 out of 6 times as Czechoslovakia in the 1980's.

And there's more!

- Roberta had a little something to say about her missing FED CUP teammates after getting blasted 0-5 by the Russians: "If they didn't want to come it's their problem. I don't care about Schiavone and Pennetta, they are not on this team. Right now I'm number one for Italy and Sara (Errani) is number two. We're here and we try to give our best." Yikes.

- Dominika Cibulkova may need to wear body armor if she ever decides to visit Serbia or get back on Twitter after remarks she made during the Slovak Republic's tie against Serbia. Don't think the apology is helping Domi. Nice try.

- Speaking of Serbia, congrats to them as well as Spain, Germany and the Ukraine for returning to the World Group next year. Bad news for the USA + France who were relegated to the World Group II after their losses to Germany and Spain, respectively. It's the first time in both country's histories they won't appear in the top tier group. Times are a changin' peeps.

- Check out some of the FED CUP outfits that caught my eye for one reason or another (read into it what you will):

[Photo(s): Getty Images, AP]