Italy level

Flipkens looked noticeably more relaxed against Santangelo – who was standing in for an injured Flavia Pennetta – than she did when she played Francesca Schiavone on day one of the tie.

But as the match went on Santangelo seemed the stronger as Flipkens began to tire and the Italian eventually triumphed in just over two hours.

This is the third time in as many years that the title will be decided by the doubles tie, although it is not yet known who will play for either country.