Ash Barty smacks down USA in epic Fed Cup victory

Australia have defeated the United States in the Fed Cup, with Ashleigh Barty and Priscilla Hon combining for a tense doubles victory to seal the world group tie in Asheville, North Carolina.

Barty and Hon beat Nicole Melichar and Danielle Collins 6-4 7-5 on Sunday to clinch the tie 3-2 and set up a semi-final clash with Belarus in April.

It is the first time since 2014 Australia have made the semi-finals.

The location will be decided by a coin toss as Australia and Belarus are yet to play each other in the Fed Cup.

“We’ve had a hell of a weekend and there’s absolutely nothing better than coming out and playing a live tie for your country,” Barty, who celebrated with her teammates, said.

Australia and the US started Sunday tied at 1-1.

Barty fired the Australians back into the lead when when she defeated Madison Keys, America’s top-ranked player in their squad, 6-4 6-1.

Collins hit back with a dogged win over Daria Gavrilova 6-1 3-6 6-2 in the day’s second singles rubber to even the tie and set up the decisive doubles clash.

The other semi-final will be France against Romania.

with AAP