New York (AFP)
Yet largely favorite, the American team had to wait until the last game to beat Latvia in the Fed Cup, after the surprise defeat of Serena Williams against Anastasija Sevastova, Saturday in Everett (Washington).
It was Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Alison Riske who enabled the Americans to qualify for the final phase of the Fed Cup, after easily winning their double face against Jelena Ostapenko and Anastasija Sevastova, 6-4, 6-0.
The two previous meetings had turned to the advantage of the Latvians, Anastasija Sevastova (41st in the world) having created the big sensation by beating Serena Williams (9th) with the score of 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 ( 4). It is the first defeat of the American champion in single in Fed Cup for 14 victories.
The victory of Jelena Ostapenko (40th) also caused surprise, the Latvian having won 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 against Sofia Kenin (7th), winner of the Australian Open in January, which had already allowed Latvia to return to 1-2.
The day before, Serena Williams had beaten Jelena Ostapenko (7-6, 7-6), while Sofia Kenin had easily won against Anastasija Sevastova (6-2, 6-2).
Results of the USA - Latvia matches:
Friday
Sofia Kenin (USA) defeats Anastasija Sevastovenkoa (LAT) 6-2, 6-2
Serena Williams (USA) defeats Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3)
Saturday
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) beats Sofia Kenin (USA) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) defeated Serena Williams (USA) 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (4)
Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Alison Riske (USA) beat Jelena Ostapenko / Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 6-4, 6-0
© 2020 AFP