Czech Republic sweeps Germany, wins third Fed Cup in four years

PRAGUE — The Czech Republic claimed its third Fed Cup title in four years after Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova had to fight hard to overcome Angelique Kerber of Germany in the opening reverse singles match on Sunday.

In a matchup of two top 10 players, Kvitova prevailed 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4 to give the Czechs an unassailable 3-0 lead on the indoor hard court at Prague's O2 Arena.

Kvitova fought back from being 4-1 down in the decisive set and went 5-4 up after earning a break point with a stunning forehand crosscourt winner before serving out the match, converting the fourth matchpoint.

The Czechs won their first title as an independent nation in 2011 and retained the trophy the following year. Czechoslovakia won five times, including three straight from 1983-85.