US beats Belarus 5-0 to advance to Fed Cup playoff

BOSTON -- When it comes to women's tennis in the United States, popularity isn't exactly a strong point. In a country that drools over alley oops and touchdown celebrations, women's tennis often falls by the wayside. Still, there are a few names within the sport that stand out. Of those few, two of the most prominent are Venus and Serena Williams. You would be hard pressed...

After hitting her first competitive serve in five months just long, Venus Williams relaxed, recoiled and fired off another that was too much for Anastasiya Yakimova. Williams' comeback was off to a good start that just got better as she teamed with Liezel Huber for a 6-1, 6-2 doubles victory over Yakimova and Darya Kustova that capped a 5-0 Fed Cup shutout for the United States...

Serena Williams and Christina McHale helped to give the U.S. women's tennis team a 2-0 edge over Belarus at the Fed Cup at the DCU Center on Saturday. Following the victories, NESN.com's Ben Barker caught up with the duo to get their take on the action. Both discussed how much of an honor it is to play for Team USA, while also shedding some light on what the team dynamic...

Serena Williams rallied to beat Anastasiya Yakimova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Sunday, giving the United States a 3-0 lead against Belarus that locked up a spot in a Fed Cup playoff in April.

Serena Williams made a bid for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team by defeating Olga Govortsova as the United States took on Belarus in the Fed Cup World Group II. The event, which took place in Worcester, Mass., determined the U.S. will compete in the World Group playoffs. The U.S., Japan, Switzerland and Slovak Republic were the seeded teams in the group. Check out photos from the U.S. matchup>>

Venus Williams returned from a five-month layoff and Serena Williams and Christina McHale won singles matches Sunday, sending the United States past Belarus 5-0 in the first round of the Fed Cup.

Serena Williams and Christina McHale are playing in the Fed Cup in Worcester, Mass., this weekend. But despite spending a couple of days -- including Super Bowl Sunday -- in Patriots territory, the two can't help but pull for the Giants in the big game. McHale is from the New York area, making her a Giants fan through and through. Williams, on the other hand, despite admiring...

Serena Williams rallied to beat Anastasiya Yakimova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Sunday, giving the United States a 3-0 lead against Belarus that locked up a spot in a Fed Cup playoff in April.

Serena Williams rallied to beat Anastasiya Yakimova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Sunday, giving the United States a 3-0 lead against Belarus that locked up a spot in a Fed Cup playoff in April.

Serena Williams beat Olga Govortsova 7-5, 6-0 on Saturday, and the United States swept the first-round singles to take a 2-0 lead over Belarus in the Fed Cup.

Serena Williams beat Olga Govortsova 7-5, 6-0 on Saturday, and the United States swept the first-round singles to take a 2-0 lead over Belarus in the Fed Cup.

Serena Williams rallied to beat Anastasiya Yakimova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Sunday, giving the United States a 3-0 lead against Belarus that locked up a spot in a Fed Cup playoff in April.