Buenos Aires, Argentina (SportsNetwork.com) – Venus Williams defeated Maria
Irigoyen of Argentina on Sunday to advance the United States to the Fed Cup
playoffs in April.
Williams’ 6-1, 6-4 victory gave the United States an unassailable 3-1 lead in
the best-of-five World Group II tie.
Paula Ormaechea had kept the Argentines in the tie by defeating Coco
Vandeweghe 6-4, 6-4. Vandeweghe filled in for Serena Williams, who did not
play because of illness.
Venus and Serena gave the United States a 2-0 lead on Saturday, defeating
Ormaechea and Irigoyen.
The 17-time champion Americans must win another series in April to return to
the top group next year.
