BRINDISI, Italy — Top-ranked Serena Williams overcame a stiff challenge in the opening set for a 7-6 (5), 6-2 win over Camila Giorgi on Saturday to give the United States a 1-0 lead over Italy in a Fed Cup World Group playoff.
Neither player broke serve in a highly competitive first set, which was only decided when Giorgi's forehand clipped the top of the net on Williams' first set point.
Williams improved to 19-0 this year and 15-0 for her career in Fed Cup. The only blemish on Williams' record this year came when she withdrew before the Indian Wells semifinals last month with a knee injury.