Tennis: France and Romania level at 1-1 after day one of the Fed Cup semi-final

Two-time Fed Cup champions France came from behind to level it at 1-1 on Saturday against Romania following the first day of their semi-final in Rouen. In the first singles match of the day, world number two Simona Halep outclassed Kristina Mladenovic in straight sets, securing a 6-3, 6-1 win in one hour and 40 minutes. That gave Romania a dream start in their quest to reach their first ever final. However, it ended all square by the end of the day's play following a reversal of fortunes in the second rubber. France's Caroline Garcia proved too strong for Mihaela Buzarnescu as she came through 6-3, 6-3, in one hour and 26 minutes. That was Garcia's third straight singles win in rubbers since her return to action following a two-year absence after falling out with her Fed Cup teammates. Following the reverse singles on Sunday, Garcia and Mladenovic will take on Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu in the doubles.