Day 2 of the first round of 2019 Fed Cup World Group
Australia v USA (2) 3-2 AUSTRALIA WON
- Venue: US Cellular Arena, Asheville, USA
- Surface: Hard Indoor
Ash Barty (AUS) defeated Madison Keys (USA) 6-4 6-1
Danielle Collins (USA) defeated Dasha Gavrilova (AUS) 6-1 3-6 6-2
Ash Barty / Priscilla Hon (AUS) defeated Danielle Collins / Nicole Melichar (USA) 6-4 7-5
Collins was in complete control, leading 5-0, and ultimately taking the first set 6-1. However, Gavrilova changed the direction of the match forcing Collins into an error ridden patch, breaking the American serve twice to level at a set all.
In the decider, Collins dropped her serve in the opening game, and Gavrilova had 40-15 to consolidate the break. That was the first and, sadly for Australia, the last time Dasha would lead in the match.
From a position of strength, she was broken for 1-1, and thereafter won just one more game.
Collins was victorious and the tie was 2-2, the doubles to decide who would meet Belarus in the semi finals.
Ash Barty was always assigned doubles duty, and the question to be answered - who would partner her ? Priscilla Hon was chosen and this would be her Fed Cup debut.
The Australians controlled the match, and took the first set, with Hon playing her role dutifully.
An early break in the second set suggested that Australia would sail into the semi finals, but the USA struck back immediately, as they would also in the eighth game when receiving at 3-4.
However, Australia broke again in the eleventh game, and Hon held to love, giving the visitors the match 6-4 7-5.
It will host Belarus in a semi final in April.
While this was happening, the Córdoba Open final was decided.
Wildcard Juan Ignacio Londero defeated Guido Pella (8) 3-6 7-5 6-1
Before this tournament, Londero had only played three matches at the ATP Tour level, and lost each of them. So this was a tremendous achievement.
It is reflected in a rankings rise from 112 to 69, a new career high.
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