Germany in Fed Cup final

Angelique Kerber secured Germany's first appearance in the final of the Fed Cup in 22 years by beating Australia's Samantha Stosur 4-6, 6-0, 6-4 in Brisbane on Sunday.

"It's a really special moment for us," Kerber said shortly after the match. "It was tough and I knew I had to play my best tennis to beat Sam because she is a Grand Slam champion," Kerber added, referring to Stosur's 2011 US Open title.

Andrea Petkovic and Kerber had set the table to advance to the final on Saturday, when both produced straight set wins at the Pat Rafter Arena. Petkovic began with a 6-1, 7-6 (7) win over Stosur, while Kerber beat Casey Dellacqua 6-1, 6-0.

The German women last won the tournament two decades ago, when Steffi Graf and Anke Huber were among the stars of the sport. The significance of their achievement was not lost on Kerber, the German No.1 and world No.7 women's player.

"After 1992 we are now in the final and it means a lot for Germany and it's an honor for all of us," she said.

Australia's last appearance in the semifinal was their first since 1993. Australia last won the Fed Cup in 1974, when the team was led by Evonne Goolagong.

Germany is to face the Czech Republic in the final in November.

pfd/jm (SID, dpa, AP, AFP)