Slovakia may have by far the strongest team on paper but the French are fighting hard on a fast indoor arena and the Slovaks can consider themselves to be lucky to be at 1-1 after the first day.

Daniela Hantuchova came back from within two points of defeat to oust Pauline Parmentier 5-7, 6-1, 9-7. “You know, I guess this is when your experience matters most,“ the veteran said. “I never thought I might lose this one. I knew I had to focus on every point and get back step by step. I found my first serve again, won a few key points, she became a bit shaky and I took it. I am so glad I have just won my 30th rubber in front of the home crowd, the people were awesome and helped me a lot to get over the tough moments in the match. She is a tough player, her game does not suit me, it kind of reminds me of Patty Schnyder, my old nemesis, but it is over, I have won and that is what counts.” 

However then Virginie Razzano levelled the tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Dominika Cibulkova.

Going into day two, a lot will depend on whether Cibulkova can raise her game against the impressive Parmentier in the first match of the day as if the Slovaks fall 2-1 down it will be a long way back.