The Fed Cup tie between Australia and the USA is set to head into a doubles decider after American Danielle Collins levelled the score two-all on Monday morning.
The world No.23 defeated Daria Gavrilova in a three-set epic, beating the Australian 6-1 3-6 6-2 on her Fed Cup debut.
As Gavrilova looked to win her first match since the first-round at the Moscow Open last October, Collins crushed the Aussie's hopes as she swept through the first set.
Although Gavrilova broke back in the second, Collins proved her superior ranking as she hit three aces and took 71 per cent of first serve points.
The final break came in favour of the American during the sixth game of the third set. The Australian let the match slip on a third break point in a game which ended with a double fault.
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Both players were thrown into the fourth rubber last minute by their captains, Kathy Rinaldi (USA) and Alicia Molik (Australia). The pair replaced Sofia Kenin and Kimberly Birrell, who were both defeated in the first two matches of the tie
“This is so special playing at home and having the American fans supporting us,” Collins told the crowd after the match.
Debut delight for Danielle! 🇺🇸
— Fed Cup (@FedCup) February 10, 2019
We're headed for a fifth rubber as Danielle Collins beats Daria Gavrilova 61 36 62 to put USA level 2-2#FedCup #USAAUS pic.twitter.com/BmGw3237K1
The American's victory evened the playing field after Australia's Ash Barty extended her Fed Cup winning streak to 10 matches after she comfortably defeated Madison Keys 6-4 6-1 to give the Aussies a 2-1 lead.
Priscilla Hon will partner Barty against American pair Nicola Melichar and Collins in the doubles decider on Monday (AEDT).
