Serena stunned but USA survive to reach Fed Cup Finals
Dejan Kalinic
February 9, 2020 06:44 MYT
February 9, 2020 06:44 MYT
Serena Williams suffered the first singles loss of her Fed Cup career, but the United States overcame Latvia to book their spot in the Finals on Saturday.
Trailing 2-0 in Washington, Latvia's fightback started with Jelena Ostapenko's win over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
Williams' unbeaten record in singles was then ended by Anastasija Sevastova, who recorded a shock 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-6 (7-4) victory over the 23-time grand slam champion.
But USA moved into April's Fed Cup Finals thanks to Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands, the duo winning the doubles over Ostapenko and Sevastova 6-4 6-0.
Heads up - you're heading to the #FedCupFinals! @matteksands takes evasive action to seal a 6-4 6-0 victory - after one last challenge...#FedCup pic.twitter.com/UyRCM0sP7d — Fed Cup (@FedCup) February 9, 2020
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Belarus needed a thrilling doubles rubber to overcome the Netherlands 3-2.
Aryna Sabalenka and Aliaksandra Sasnovich edged Kiki Bertens and Demi Schuurs 4-6 6-3 7-6 (10-8).
What a moment @SabalenkaA puts the finishing touch on an incredible 4-6 6-3 7-6(8) doubles victory with Aliaksandra Sasnovich#FedCup pic.twitter.com/kiSSYFsUL2 — Fed Cup (@FedCup) February 8, 2020
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Russia survived a test against Romania to prevail 3-2, Switzerland claimed a 3-1 success over Canada and Slovakia beat Great Britain 3-1.
Germany swept Brazil aside 4-0, Spain were too strong for Japan 3-1 and Elise Mertens led Belgium past Kazakhstan 3-1.