Hobart TAS, Australia, 8 February 2014 | AAP

Casey Dellacqua has given Australia a flying start in the Fed Cup World Group first round tie against Russia in Hobart.

Dellacqua has seen off a spirited comeback from young opponent Irina Khromacheva to take the opening rubber 6-0 6-2.

The Australian blasted the 18-year-old Russian off the court in the first set but was broken in the second before regaining command.

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Dellacqua had too much power for the world No.241, smacking 19 forehand winners in a match that lasted just 58 minutes. Fittingly, she converted her second match point with a thumping forehand to give Australia a 1-0 lead over the inexperienced Russians.

Dellacqua needed just 23 minutes to claim the first set, although Khromacheva saved three set points on serve before netting.

Down 3-0 in the second, the Russian finally held serve in the fourth game, and it heralded something of a fightback. Khromacheva converted a fourth break point in the next game to have games back on serve down 3-2. Dellacqua, though, broke back immediately for 4-2, then saved five break points in the next game to hold.

The world No.80 broke the Russian again to take the set. Sam Stosur will play world No.650 Veronika Kudermetova in the second rubber later on Saturday.

TV Guide

The tie will be televised live on Fox Sports 1. Check local guides for details. Saturday 8 February 1–5 pm (EST) on Fox Sports 1 Sunday 9 February 11:00 am–6:00 pm (EST) on Fox Sports 1

Tickets

Tickets are now available from Ticketek: ticketek.com Australia are seeking their first win over Russia since 1983.