Venus, Serena give US 2-0 lead over Argentina in Fed Cup
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - The Williams sisters gave the United States a 2-0 lead over Argentina in their Fed Cup World Group II tie on Saturday.
Venus defeated Paula Ormaechea 6-3, 6-2, in the first match, and Serena, the newly crowned Australian Open champion, won over Maria Irigoyen 7-5, 6-0.
Serena can clinch the first-round tie on Sunday, in the first reverse singles against Ormaechea.
That should put the U.S. in the playoffs in April, for a chance to return to the World Group next year.
Argentina's only possible advantage was the clay surface, which is never a favorite of the Americans. The Williams sisters own 56 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles. Ormaechea is world ranked No. 121, and Irigoyen No. 197.
Argentina's fans chant slogans before the match between Venus Williams of the United States and Paula Ormaechea of Argentina, at the Fed Cup World Group II first Round in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. The winner advances to the World Group playoffs April 18-19 with a chance for a spot in the 2016 World Group - the top grouping in the team competition. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
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