23 April 2012 | Tennis Queensland

Samantha Stosur has lead Australia back into the World Group today at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart.

Upsetting the German team in their Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie, Australia’s No.1 player, Samantha Stosur, won her second singles rubber against Andrea Petkovic  6-4 6-1 to give Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The world No.11, Petkovic, replaced No.16 Julia Goerges in the singles on day two after Goerges went down unexpectantly to Jarmila Gajdosova yesterday.

Post match Stosur said she was really pleased with the result.

“That was a bit unexpected,” Stosur said.

“I always thought we could win but to win in three, that was above expectations.

“There was pressure on them to try and perform here and play well.

“On paper they had the stronger team but it is not easy either way. I was the highest ranked player here so there was pressure on me as well to perform but it is not easy.”

This was Petkovic’s first match back since she was sidelined with a back injury in January. It was also the first time Stosur and Petkovic had played each other.

The win handed Australia an unbeatable lead in the tie and secured the nation a berth in the elite eight World Group next year.

Fed Cup Captain David Taylor said Australia deserved to be in the top tier of the competition after the results recorded in Stuttgart.

“We have had a good Fed Cup team but in the last few years we have not had all our players in form at the same time,” Taylor said.

“With the players we have got, I think Australia belongs in the World Group.

“I think Sam has had a great couple of months and this is exactly where she needs to be heading into the claycourt season.

“I think a year ago we had our worst loss in some time against Ukraine and this time we have had our best win in quite some time.

“Yesterday was a terrific performance by Jarka and that sort of result takes the pressure off Sam feeling like she has to win all her matches.

“Everyone is of a high standard but I think we are as good as any and we look forward to playing some big ties in the future.”

After Stosur wrapped up the tie, Olivia Rogowska lost in her debut Fed Cup match to Germany’s No.1 and world No.14  Anglique Kerber 6-3 6-3.

Goerges and Petkovic then defeated Gajdosova and Casey Dellacqua 6-3 6-4 in the doubles which saw Australia win the tie on the final rubber score on clay 3-2 to Australia.

On day one of the tie Stosur recorded a comfortable opening day win over an in-form Kerber 7-6 (1) 6-4 while Gajdosova enjoyed a 6-4 6-4 win over Goerges.

The 2013 Fed Cup World Group will consist of teams from Serbia, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, America, Japan, Slovak Republic and Australia.