Elena Dementieva hailed Russia's team spirit after she helped her country retain their Fed Cup crown and reconfirm their dominance in world tennis by defeating France 3-2 in Paris.

Playing before a sold-out Roland Garros crowd, the 23-year-old Dementieva, who is ranked eighth in the world, inspired the winners this weekend with three victories.

She beat Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo in the singles, and combined with Dinara Safina to beat the aforementioned French pair in the doubles.

But she refused to accept all of the praise.

"I am not the heroine of the weekend," said Dementieva, who on Sunday won the Fed Cup for the first time in her career after losing twice at this stage in 1999 and 2001.

"This win was a collective victory.

"The whole team won and everyone did all they could so that we achieve that result."

Russian Anastasia Myskina lost both her singles rubbers, but Dementieva said: "Myskina might have lost her matches but we would not have reached the final if she had not defeated Venus Williams (of the United States) in the semi-finals," added Dementieva.

"As I said, everyone contributed to our success."

Both nations, who have been dominating the Fed Cup competition in recent years with France winning in 2003 against the United States and Russia in 2004 over the French, were tied at 1-1 after Saturday's action.

Mauresmo lost to an exceptional Dementieva before Pierce levelled the tie at 2-2 by beating Myskina.

In the doubles, Russia prevailed 6-4 1-6 6-3.

Mauresmo saluted Dementieva.

"She displayed a fantastic performance throughout the weekend," said the Frenchwoman.

"Elena led her team and helped them reach new heights.

"If Safina played well today it was thanks to her because she was there to support her.

"Elena remained very solid mentally and physically.

"As far as we are concerned, we failed to raise our level. Sometimes it's simply not working.

"Overall, we have also had exceptional moments this weekend but we will only remember them once the disappointment of losing is gone."

Pierce remained positive.

"I am very proud of what we've done this weekend," she added.

"We displayed a high level tennis, good matches and gave a lot of emotions.

"It's a shame we did not win but we gave all we had.

"The Russians were also very strong and solid mentally.

"They played well on important points and never showed any weaknesses."