TENNIS: Australia has missed the chance to make its first Federation Cup final since 1993, beaten 3-0 by Germany in the semi-finals in Brisbane.

Germany (pictured) took a 2-0 lead into yesterday's reverse singles after Andrea Petkovic beat Sam Stosur 6-1 7-6 and Angelique Kerber downed Casey Dellacqua 6-1 6-0 on Saturday.

And Kerber made sure Germany progressed to its first final since it claimed the title in 1992, beating Stosur for the first time in three career meetings, 4-6 6-0 6-4. Stosur gave Aussie fans a glimmer of hope when she broke Kerber's serve to love at 5-2 in the third set, but the setback proved temporary.

The last of Australia's seven victories in the competition came 40 years ago. Germany will play the winner of the other semi-final between the Czech Republic and Italy. The Czech Republic held a handy 2-0 lead after the opening singles.