sentences:  Pierce dropped a match point to be defeated in the second rubber by Myskina, but the two Frenchwomen eventually beat the Russians in the next two matches to advance to their first final since their 1997 victory.The French played the United States in the final, only a few days after the semifinals, with Pierce and Mauresmo once again leading in singles; Pierce in particular receiving praise for her performance.Despite the newfound presence of unbeaten Fed Cup player and multiple major champion Martina Navratilova, the American team was missing many of its top singles players, meaning the French team had a good chance to succeed.