Worcester, Feb 5: Serena Williams beat Olga Govortsova 7-5, 6-0 as the United States swept to a 2-0 lead over Belarus in a Fed Cup World Group II tie on Saturday.
Christina McHale gave the Americans a 1-0 lead with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Anastasiya Yakimova.
Williams won the first three games, then struggled a little before holding serve for a 6-5 lead and breaking Govortsova, who double-faulted while already down love-40.
Govortsova seemed to have nothing left for the second set against Williams, who quickly ended it with her overpowering strokes.
Yakimova was a late substitute for top-ranked Victoria Azarenka. The Australian Open champion withdrew hours earlier because of a sore lower back. Azarenka is eligible to play on Sunday.
McHale won the first 10 games, then survived a scare in the second set when Yakimova rallied from 4-0 to tie it. Yakimova didn't appear ready early, but pushed the young American in the second set before McHale closed it out. She broke Yakimova, then held serve after falling behind love-30 and then winning five straight points.
