The Fed Cup final between the United States and host-city supported Belarus took place in Minsk at the weekend, on November 11-12.
We’ve chosen the most tense and attention worthy moments from the so-called unofficial tennis world championship.
1. New “Azarenka”
Belarus teenager Aryna Sabalenka defeated US Open champion Sloane Stephens to level the Fed Cup final at 1-1 after the opening singles in Minsk.
🇧🇾 Aryna Sabalenka drew Belarus level in the #FedCupFinal!
Playing as Belarus number one for the first time this year in the absence of Victoria Azarenka, came from behind to beat Sloane Stephens 4-6 6-1 8-6.
2. President Lukashenko
President Lukashenko arrived to the Chizhovka Arena to suppport young Belarusian tennis players and looked rather delighted before the game…
And extremely focused during it!
3. Max Mirnyi
“It’s hard to be a spectator and being not able to affect the outcome of the match or help the girls,” legendary tennis player Max Mirnyi described his feelings after the match.
5. Crazy supportive fans
Crowds of cheering fans from the USA came to Belarus to enjoy the spectacular game and taste locals snacks.
Yes, here in Belarus we have sausage rolls pastry and small fried meat pies to stave off our hunger.
9,000 strong crowd of mostly red and green created an unbelievable atmosphere with the blaring noise of vuvuzelas and loud applause.
6. Wild dances
Meanwhile, American tennis players had fun and started to dance when Lyavoniha, one of the most popular Belarusian folk songs, started to play at one of the afterparties.
#FedCupFinal dance off! But who won? Comment 🇺🇸 or 🇧🇾 to cast your vote!
7. Victoria Azarenka
We’ve had a glimpse of Victoria Azarenka’s life, who missed the Cup due to her custody battle, after she addressed her fans and fellow tennis players ahead of the game on Twitter.
She might not be able to be here but @vika7 will be supporting Team Belarus to win the #FedCupFinal in Minsk pic.twitter.com/FdlsM3NgGW
— Fed Cup (@FedCup) November 11, 2017
The United States won the Fed Cup for the first time in 17 years with a dramatic victory over Belarus.
USA 🇺🇸 climbs ⬆️to No. 2 in the #FedCup rankings – its highest spot since 2010 – after beating Belarus 🇧🇾 in the #FedCupFinal in Minsk. pic.twitter.com/15Q6rlmx4j
— Fed Cup (@FedCup) November 13, 2017
Coco Vandeweghe and Shelby Rogers beat Aryna Sabalenka and Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in the deciding doubles rubber to give the visitors a 3-2 win in the best-of-five tie.
Sources: TUT.BY, fedcup.com
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