The USA won its first Fed Cup title since 2000 and 18th title overall by defeating Belarus 3-2 in an exciting fifth-and-decisive doubles rubber on Sunday in the 2017 World Group final in Minsk.
American No.1 Coco Vandeweghe defeated Belarus No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(5) 6-1 to become the first player from her country, since the World Group format was instituted in 1995, to win all six Fed Cup singles matches in one year, as well as the first player to win the maximum number of Fed Cup singles rubbers in a year since Petra Kvitova in 2011.
In the fourth singles rubber, US Open champion Sloane Stephens lost to Aliaksandra Sasnovich 4-6 6-1 8-6, scoring no wins for the United States team in this final.
In the doubles rubber, Coco Vandeweghe and Shelby Rogers clinched the victory for the USA with a 6-3 7-6(3) triumph over Aryna Sabalenka and Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
MORE 2017 FED CUP FINAL PHOTOS:
- Saturday: USA and Belarus tied at 1-1
- Friday: Belarus vs. USA draw ceremony in Minsk
- Thursday: Belarus, USA getting ready in Minsk
Coco has been a stalwart player for the USA in FED cup all season winning 8 points in all! I used to be annoyed by her cockiness, but now I embrace it. She is #10 in the world right now, so I look for good things from Ms. Vandeweghe in 2018.
I agree with Jim. Coco really did show her potentials. I know she can be a future Top 5 player on the way she plays now.
Hot coco was on fire! What a great effort. 2018 should be a good one for her.
I was also very impressed with the young Belarussians. They have tremendous potential.