IN PICTURES: FED CUP PRACTICE IN ASHEVILLE
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Team USA begins the defense of its Fed Cup crown against The Netherlands this weekend.
Twenty-three-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams, seven-time major winner Venus Williams and 2017 Fed Cup champions Coco Vandeweghe and Lauren Davis will represent the U.S. in Asheville and will face a Dutch team that features Richel Hogenkamp, Arantxa Rus, Lesley Kerkhove and doubles specialist Demi Schuurs.
Play begins Saturday, Feb. 10, with two singles matches at the U.S. Cellular Center and continues Sunday, Feb. 11, with the possibility of two more singles matches and one doubles match.
The winner of the tie advances to the World Group semifinals in April. The losing nation will enter the playoffs for the right to remain in the World Group in 2019.
Here's a look at the U.S. players in practice in the lead up to the contest.
- Serena Williams enjoys a laugh during practice in Asheville on Thursday.
- Lauren Davis and Coco Vandeweghe celebrate a point during a practice doubles match.
- U.S. captain Kathy Rinaldi and coach Lisa Raymond look on during practice.
- A multiple exposure of Serena Williams hitting a slice backhand during practice.
- Venus Williams works on her serve ahead of this weekend's Fed Cup tie in Asheville.
- Serena Williams practicing inside the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville.
- Serena Williams and Kathy Rinaldi share a laugh during practice.
- Lauren Davis stretches for a ball during practice on Wednesday in Asheville.
- Venus Williams fixes her hair during a break between points on Thursday.
- Serena Williams practicing inside the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, N.C.
- Venus Williams watches younger sister Serena during practice Wednesday.
- Coco Vandeweghe won all eight of her matches in 2017 to lead Team USA to an 18th Fed Cup championship.
- Serena Williams lines up a drive volley during her first practice in Asheville on Wednesday.
- Venus Williams and Lisa Raymond enjoy a joke on the sidelines in between practice.
- Serena Williams holds a 13-0 Fed Cup singles record for Team USA.
- Coco Vandeweghe practices a volley inside the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville on Wednesday.
- Coco Vandeweghe and Lauren Davis practice ahead of the Fed Cup tie against The Netherlands.
- Venus Williams and Kathy Rinaldi speak during a practice session Wednesday.
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