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Americans go in front 1-0 at rainy Fed Cup

Use of outdated German anthem causes controversy

Alison Riske of the United States reacts after the first set of her 7-6 (10), 6-2 win over Andrea Petkovic in a Fed Cup match Saturday at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

KAANAPALI — Things didn’t start well in Saturday’s Fed Cup quarterfinal tie at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch.

After an outdated version of the German national anthem was sung live during opening ceremonies, the United States went in front with a 7-6 (10), 6-2 win by Alison Riske over Andrea Petkovic, and American CoCo Vandeweghe led Julia Goerges 6-3, 3-1 when rain halted play for the day.

The stanza of the German national anthem that was sung dates back to World War II-era Germany. It brought a stern response from Petkovic, and an official statement of apology from the United States Tennis Association.

Petkovic, who was born in Bosnia, said in the German-language portion of her news conference that she considered walking off the court as the anthem went on.

“I thought it was the epitome of ignorance, and I’ve never felt more disrespected in my whole life, let alone in Fed Cup, and I’ve played Fed Cup for 13 years now and it is the worst thing that has ever happened to me,” Petkovic said after the match.

Youth volunteers help dry off the court. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Shortly after Petkovic’s comments, the USTA issued a statement that read: “The USTA extends its sincerest apologies to the German Fed Cup team and all of its fans for the performance of an outdated National Anthem prior to today’s Fed Cup competition. In no way did we mean any disrespect.

“This mistake will not occur again, and the correct anthem will be performed for the remainder of this first-round tie.”

Riske was apologetic in her press conference.

“As it was happening, obviously, we have no idea,” she said. “But news got around to us and it’s extremely unfortunate. We have nothing but respect for the German team and obviously that will not happen again.”

Riske won the tiebreaker on her fourth set point when Petkovic’s forehand hit the net after a long rally.

The U.S. team’s Coco Vandeweghe throws her racquet during her suspended match against Germany’s Julia Goerges. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Riske rolled to a 5-0 lead in the second set before Petkovic won back-to-back games, prompting chants in the crowd of “Deutschland” that were answered by “USA” screams. Riske finished the win when Petkovic netted a backhand.

Riske, who cried prior to her match, was winless in two pervious appearances for the U.S. Fed Cup team.

“It means a lot when you play for your country,” she said. “I’m always emotional when I talk about America. We’re lucky to be living here and to represent America. Anytime we can, it’s a real honor.”

Riske said she “was fighting nerves until” the tiebreaker win.

“I’m just glad I put us on the board,” she said.

Goerges prepares to hit a return. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

The match was delayed for 12 minutes at 3-3 in the tie-breaker due to weather, and wind and rain played havoc throughout both matches.

Riske had to re-toss the ball on her serve several times.

The second match was delayed by rain between sets and then again when Goerges slipped on the baseline on the first point of the fifth game. After an injury timeout, the rain started falling hard enough to end action for the day.

* Robert Collias is at rcollias@mauinews.com

Germany’s Andrea Petkovic returns a shot. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

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