Tennis: Fed Cup loss for NZ

Marina Erakovic beat Alicia Molik to record New Zealand's only victory. Photo / Paul Estcourt

New Zealand began their Fed Cup Asia-Oceania zone women's tennis campaign with a loss to Australia yesterday.

New Zealand succumbed 1-2 in Bangkok, their only victory coming courtesy of Marina Erakovic.

Erakovic beat Alicia Molik, who retired with a a calf strain with the scores tied at 6-6 in the first set.

Sacha Jones had earlier handed Casey Dellacqua a 4-6 6-4 4-1 win when she retired due to cramp, before Dellacqua combined with Rennae Stubbs to win the doubles 7-5 6-2 over Erakovic and Leanne Baker.

- NZPA