Nadia Petrova was ecstatic after providing the inspiration for Russia to come from behind and defeat USA 3-2 to reach the final of the Fed Cup.

After Venus Williams had disposed of Anna Chakvetadze in straight sets to give the Americans a 2-1 advantage, Petrova hit back with victory over Meilen Tu in Sunday's second singles match in Stowe, Vermont, before teaming up with Elena Vesnina to post a decisive 7-5 7-6 (7/1) win against Williams and Lisa Raymond and clinch the semi-final encounter at Topnotch's hardcourt.

With the triumph, Russia advanced to the Fed Cup final for the seventh time and third in the last four years. The Russians won consecutive titles in 2004 and 2005.

On a personal note, Petrova was happy to bounce back from a demoralising singles loss to Williams on Saturday.

"I'm very happy that I did it because I was very disappointed after losing to Venus when I had everything in my hands and then I broke down," Petrova said.

"I couldn't handle the nerves and the pressure.

"So I thought, 'OK, I'll let it go'. Today I got to do everything, get it back for my team, make it up to them.

"I did it today. It just feels great. It feels fantastic."

A return trip to the final seemed unlikely for Russia, who were missing injured stars Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

But Petrova bridged the gap as the 25-year-old dug Russia out of a hole by routing Tu 6-1 6-2, recording four breaks and converting 67 percent of her service points.

She carried that form into the decisive doubles rubber, combining with Vesnina for seven aces and three break points in a match which lasted one hour and 40 minutes.

Ranked ninth in the world, Petrova had given Williams a run for her money on Saturday before losing 7-6 (8/6) 0-6 6-4 to the reigning Wimbledon champion.

Williams had a much easier time on Sunday afternoon, cruising to a 6-1 6-4 victory over Chakvetadze.

The six-time Grand Slam champion recorded four breaks and converted 64 percent of her service points in a match that lasted just over an hour.

"I'm really disappointed because I tried really hard and I really wanted to win," Williams said.

"That's why I was here. It's good to know that I gave 100 percent but it's bad to know it wasn't enough this time.

"Obviously at 5-5 she's gonna feel like she has a chance," Williams added.

"In her head she's thinking she has a chance. In my head, I'm thinking I'm gonna win.

"I think my mentality is different because I'm playing a lot more powerfully, I'm stronger than her.

"Obviously, I did not want five-all because she's a great competitor."

Tu proved to be no match for Petrova to leave USA hopes resting on the shoulders of Williams and Raymond in the crucial doubles clash but the duo came up short against their Russian opponents.

The Americans have not reached the Fed Cup final since 2003 and have not won the event since 2000.

"I did the best I could," said Tu, who was only informed she would be replacing Vania King less than 24 hours before the match.

"I tried to keep Nadia out there as long as I could. I tried to win the match."

Russia will face Italy in the final after the defending champions beat France 3-2 in the other semi-final in Marina.

After France's Amelie Mauresmo had defeated Mara Santangelo 6-7 (5/7) 6-0 6-4, the home team levelled at 2-2 when Francesca Schiavone beat Tatiana Golovin 6-4 2-6 7-5.

Schiavone and Roberta Vinci then completed the comeback in the doubles , rallying from down a set to record a 4-6 6-1 6-2 triumph over Severine Bremond and Nathalie Dechy.