With the scores tied at 2-2, the deciding rubber of this Federation Cup match-up between the United States and Australia will be the doubles. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8am (AEDT).
After a topsy-turvey tie where neither country has been able to take control, it all comes down to the final of five matches.
The doubles is often crucial and once again it will play it’s role as the deciding match in this tie.
Danielle Collins and Nicole Melichar will represent the United States. They are not a proven pair, with Melichar an experienced doubles veteran and Collins with just 17 doubles matches under her belt at the top level.
Australia will be represented by accomplished doubles star Ashleigh Barty and Daria Gavrilova. Both are obviously quality players on the singles court but the question will be whether they are able to combine well enough to handle the imposing presence of Melichar across the net.
Melichar will look to control the match and drag Collins along for the ride whilst the Australians will look to hustle and bustle the Americans with Gavrilova leading the way with her ever imposing style and attitude.
Prediction
The Australians look a better pairing for this situation. They have power, experience and should fear nothing going into this match.
Collins looms as the weak link yet Melichar could also have difficulty with the sheer weight of shot coming from the two young Australians.
Australia to win in straight sets.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 8am (AEDT).
Where: Cellular Arena, Asheville, North Carolina
When: Monday 11th February 2019, 8am (AEDT)
TV: 9 GEM
Betting: Barty/Gavrilova $1.65 Collins/ Melichar $2.15
David Holden
Roar Guru
That is a fantastic win by Australia and, yes, Ash Barty just continues to get better.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Big win away from home. Barty is fast becoming a star.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Ta mate. A little summary above.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Australia has beaten the United States in the Federation Cup tie played in North Carolina.
The tie was decided by the doubles clash between Ashleigh Barty and Priscilla Hon and the American pair of Nicole Melichar and Danielle Collins. Earlier, the four singles matches had been split, with Barty winning both her matches and Kimberly Birrell and Daria Gavrilova lost to their American opponents.
It was a gripping doubles encounter and the Aussies looked the more competent pairing throughout. Despite having numerous break points through the first set, they won it with just one break converted and when they broke early in the second, the match looked set for a brisk conclusion.
To their credit, the American pair staged a valiant comeback and broke Hon’s serve twice to go within a few points of claiming the second set. Barty lifted and helped your partner through, before the Australians broke in the eleventh game and Hon steeled herself to serve out the match in fine style.
It sets up a semi final clash with Belarus in April in which the Australians will feel very comfortable playing on home soil.
Well played Australia.
Final Score
Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon…………….6 7
Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins……….4 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks Stu, great stuff this morning.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yessss! What a win.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Australia have beaten the USA 3-2 on home soil. What an achievement! The girls are going nuts on the side of the court. This was a privilege to watch. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 7 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game, set and match Australia!!! Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 7 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
40-00 ACE. Three match points. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 6 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
30-00 Great serve from the youngster. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 6 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15-00 The return error from Melichar is poor. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 6 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Hon to serve for the match. She has lost her serve twice in this set. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 6 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game Australia. Melichar errs at the net and the Aussies will serve for the match. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 6 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
30-40 The US pair save the first. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15-40 Amazing point from all four players at the net and Barty kills the ball to earn two break points. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15-30 Barty with the winner down the line from the return. What a shot!
Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon…………….6 5
Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins……….4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15-15 Hon with a nice return that draws the error from Collins. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15-00 Barty misses the second serve return. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Collins to serve. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game. Another one from the Aussie. Hon does the business at the net. Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon……..........6 5 Nicole Melichar/Danielle Collins..........4 5