ITF

16 ITFWORLD WINTER 2017 FED CUP BY BNP PARIBAS Team USA finally got its hands on the Fed Cup trophy again, winning its 18th title in Minsk despite strong resistance from Fed Cup by BNP Paribas final newcomers Belarus. Sandra Harwitt was there. T here are certain times when it seems like karma dictates an outcome that is meant to be. That's exactly the feeling that enveloped the 2017 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas final between the USA and Belarus. It was the strong presence of the number 17 surrounding the final that provided the leaning towards the USA. Here it was the year 2017 and it had been 17 years since the USA, the winningest nation in Fed Cup history with a record 17 titles already claimed, had last won the Fed Cup title. Serendipitous or not, in no way did the USA's victory come easily against a tenacious Belarusian team, who were enjoying a home court advantage at the Chizhovka Arena in Minsk, Belarus. The occasion was monumental for Belarus, playing in their first Fed Cup final since the country began competing as an independent nation in 1991. Prior to that time, Belarusian athletes participated as part of the USSR. The exciting final went the distance before the USA was back in the Fed Cup winner's circle with a 3-2 victory over Belarus, and a record 18th Fed Cup title. "It feels perfectly believable and unbelievable," said Vandeweghe, offering the communal sentiment of Team USA after they hugged the Cup tight in an on-court ceremony. "I'm ready for a vacation." GLORY DAYS The US team lift the Fed Cup trophy Aryna Sabalenka beat Sloane Stephens

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