Fed Cup: Ash Barty and Priscilla Hon down USA to break Australia's semi-finals drought

Lucie Bertoldo

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Fed Cup: Ash Barty and Priscilla Hon down USA to break Australia's semi-finals drought image

Australia's Fed Cup dream is alive after Ash Barty and Priscilla Hon defeated USA pair Nicole Melichar and Danielle Collins 6-4 7-5 in the tie-deciding doubles match on Monday (AEST).

Barty had earlier defeated Madison Keys in straight sets to push Australia ahead 2-1, but a loss for Daria Gavriolva later in the day to Collins kept USA in the tie.

With the two teams going into the fifth rubber two matches apiece, Barty and Hon partnered up for the first time to meet Melichar and Collins in front of a boisterous Asheville crowd.

The Aussie duo won the first set 6-4, Barty and Hon willing a total of 42 points to USA's at 37 in the set.

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Looking closer at the total winners taken in the set, it's clear the Aussie duo started the match in better shape. With 14 total winners - nine forehands and fives backhand - the women in green and gold dominated the local pair, who managed just six.


With the second set going game for game, the Aussies broke USA in the seventh after an incredible performance at the net by Fed Cup debutant Hon.

However, Melichar and Collins returned with a double break to bring the set back on serve going into the ninth game.

After Barty brought the set to five games apiece with a quick service game, the Aussies broke back at the crucial moment for a chance to serve for the match.


With Australia leading 40-0 on match point, a strong serve from Hon proved too much for the hosts.

Playing and winning her first Fed Cup match for Australia, Hon said that she was honoured to win with Barty on her side.

"This is a dream come true, it's always been my dream to play for Australia," Hon said after the match.

"[Playing] alongside Ash, I've always looked up to her. She's helped me out so much, so we wouldn't have got the win without her."

After winning all three matches over the weekend, Barty said she was proud to play for her country alongside the debutant.

"There's nothing better than coming out to play a live-tie for your country," she said.

"For Pri to play the way that she did today, I'm just so proud of her."


Australia will now host Belarus in their first Fed Cup semi-final tie since 2014.

The 2019 play-offs draw will be live streamed from the ITF headquarters in London on Tuesday February 12, at 11:00pm AEST.

Lucie Bertoldo