France found themselves on the verge of a first round exit in the Fed Cup after losing their first two singles to the US on Saturday with French number one Alize Cornet suffering a severe confidence crisis.
Cornet, who is still to earn her country a point in six attempts since her first call-up in 2008, bowed out 7-6 7-5 to Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 140th in the world rankings.
Cornet, world-ranked 65, told reporters "I was really nervous when coming on court. I guess I take things too much to heart. I felt like I was petrified by the stress.
"As long as I am not able to deal with my feelings, I will not get through.
"The more I play the more I lose. If I am to play on Sunday, I'll try to be more aggressive but will it be enough?"
In the other singles, newcomer Pauline Parmentier lost 6-4 6-4 to Melanie Oudin to leave France 2-0 down.
French coach Nicolas Escude said "I know France have never overcome such a poor start but there is a first to everything.
"We will have to lift up our sleeves and go out for it. Our strategy will be different on Sunday. We will do everything we can to make it work. We are going to hold a team meeting and I will decide if Alize Cornet plays."



