US defeat Argentina in Fed Cup
Buenos Aires, Feb 9 (IANS)
The US tennis team defeated Argentina 4-1 in the first round of the World Group II of the Fed Cup, the premier international team competition for women. The series began Saturday with Williams’ sisters winning their matches comfortably.
Venus defeated Paula Ormaechea (121) 6-3, 6-2, while Serena defeated Maria Irigoyen (197) with a score of 7-5, 6-0. Ormaechea defeated American Coco Vandeweghe 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday. Vandeweghe replaced Serena Williams in the match, who did not play due to a persistent cough.
Despite the victory, Argentine hopes quickly vanished after Venus Williams defeated Irigoyen 6-1, 6-4.
Later, in the doubles game, Americans Taylor Townsend and Coco Vandeweghe defeated Argentina's Nadia Podoroska and Tania Bua 6-2. 6-2.
With this result, US qualified for playoffs for World Group.