By Ros Satar
Laura Robson (GBR) def. Florencia Molinero (ARG) 6-1 6-1
Laura Robson levelled the World Group II Play-off tie with Argentina with an emphatic 6-1, 6-1 victory.
The pair met before in 2010 (Florida) where Molinero got the better of Robson n straight sets on clay.
However, even though they are separated by 186 places in the rankings now, Molinero came into the match with a quite frankly unbelievable statistic!
#GBvARG: Florencia Molinero is 10-0 in Fed Cup singles on day 1, 0-2 on day 2 – in ARG’s last 2 ties, she beat the no. 1 & lost to the no. 2
— Steven (@GBtennis) April 20, 2013
Robson got an early breakthrough but back to back double-faults meant she had to save a break point to consolidate her early advantage.
It was a fight for Robson to clinch the first set, having to save three break points, and finally firing down an ace on her second set point.
The momentum stayed with Robson, breaking the Argentinian in her first two games and stretching out to an early 3-0 lead in the second set.
A run of double-faults crept into Molinero’s game as the Argentinian was broken for the fifth successive time, for Britain to lead 5-0.
Molinero halted Robson’s run of 10 games with a break to love, but it was just a brief respite as Robson broke to 15 to level the tie.
The key to the tie will be the first of the reverse singles on Sunday, where Robson will face Paula Ormaechea in the first match.
Team captain Judy Murray had opted to put Johanna Konta into the singles, as she has had more clay court play in the weeks leading up to the tie.
But she is fortunate to have strength and depth in her team, with experienced players Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha in the side.
Baltacha has only just returned to the tour after a long injury lay-off, and Keothavong recently won an ITF title at Croissy-Beaubourg (hard court) at the end of March.
Sky Sports Coverage will start on the Red Button, and will continue on Sky Sports 2.