USA Beats Belarus to Win Fed Cup Title

November 13, 2017 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
fed cup win
Photo Credit: FedCup.com

 

The United States captured its 18th Fed Cup title this past weekend, going into Minsk to beat Belarus 3-2 thanks to a clutch doubles victory from Shelby Rogers and Coco Vandeweghe in the weekend’s final match.

“I’m just really thrilled for all four players, “USA captain Kathy Rinaldi said afterwards. “CoCo came out and just played unbelievable, Shelby stepped up, and Sloane—my heart was broken for her, but she battled this whole weekend, she battled all the way to the end. I’m so proud of all four of them.”

Vandeweghe put the United States up early by downing Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-4, 6-4 in the opening match on Saturday, but Aryna Sabalenka evened things at 1-1 by defeating U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the second rubber.

The next two rubbers would be split as Vandweghe defeated Sabalenka and Sasnovich beat Stephens to leave the final to be decided by a decisive doubles match. Vandeweghe would step up once again, pairing with Rogers to win 6-3, 7-6(3) against Sabalenka and Sasnovich to seal the American victory.

“It was a lot of work and a lot of dedication to the Fed Cup, in each and every round,” Vandeweghe said. “To dedicate my time and energy through my season to be able to perform the best I could for Team USA.”


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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