Fed Cup: Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens Give US 2-0 Lead Over Poland
Venus Williams overcame a shaky start that left her trailing in the first set while Sloane Stephens was down 4-0 in the second but the Americans still managed to beat their Polish opponents in straight sets in the Fed Cup first round matches.
Venus Williams beat Paula Kania 7-5, 6-2, and Sloane Stephens beat Magda Linette, 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead over Poland after the opening day of their Fed Cup first round. (Fed Cup: Sania Mirza Loses in Doubles as India go Down to Japan)
The Americans are one match away from advancing to the World Group II semifinals in April. (Sharapova Included in Russian Fed Cup Team Despite Olympic Dispute)
Williams overcame a shaky start against Kania, who served for the first set but could not capitalize at 5-4.
Stephens had to battle back from 4-0 down in the second set against Poland's No. 1 player. Stephens won five straight games to take charge of the first match of the day.
Play continues Sunday in Hawaii with the reverse singles matches and the doubles match featuring Bethanie Mattek-Sands and CoCo Vandeweghe taking on Aljicja Rosolska and Klaudia Jans-Ignacik.