Oudin wins to give USA spot in Fed Cup semifinals

Enlarge By Michel Spingler, AP Melanie Oudin celebrates with the American flag after defeating Julie Coin of France during their first-round Fed Cup tie on Sunday in Lievin, France. Oudin defeated Coin 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in just over two hours in the first reverse singles match.LIEVIN, France (AP) — The United States secured a spot in the Fed Cup semifinals after teenager Melanie Oudin beat Julie Coin on Sunday to give the Americans an insurmountable 3-0 lead against France. The U.S. will next face either Russia or Serbia on April 24-25. ROUNDUP: Italy tops Ukrainke The 18-year-old Oudin broke Coin in the fifth game of the second set and clinched the match when the Frenchwoman shanked a forehand. Oudin had saved two break points at 5-5 in the first to force the tiebreaker, where she hit three straight winners to close out the set. Alize Cornet had been scheduled to face Oudin but France captain Nicolas Escude decided to replace her with Coin after Cornet acknowledged she struggled with her nerves against Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the opening singles Saturday. Mattek-Sands rallied from 5-2 down in the first to win in straight sets, giving Cornet her sixth loss in six Fed Cup singles matches. In the second revers singles matchPauline Parmentier of France defeated U.S. yongster Christina McHale 6-4, 6-4. Both teams were missing their best players. Serena and Venus Williams skipped the event, while France played without Marion Bartoli, Aravane Rezai and Virginie Razzano. The USA improved its record against France to 11-1 in Fed Cup play. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.