The Fed Cup World Group II tie between France and Slovakia is evenly poised going into day two.
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.