Intro:

Italy and the USA are tied at 1-1 in their Fed Cup World Group play-off after day one.

Script:

USA and Italy are all square going into the final day of their Fed Cup World Group play-off after wins for Serena Williams and Sara Errani on the opening day.

The first set was close and it went to a tie break. Even though Camila Giorgi levelled at 3-3 and then 5-5, an unforced error handed the first set to Williams.

It was a gutsy effort from the world number 36 but a visibly tired Giorgi eventually succumbed, 7-6 6-2.

The Circolo Tennis Brindisi arena overlooks the Adriatic Sea and Italy were sinking fast.

But the hosts managed to keep their heads above water thanks to Errani's defeat of Lauren Davis.

The former French Open finalist dominated the opener.

Before sealing a 6-1 6-2 success in one hour and 11 minutes.

In the heel of Italy, it remains to be seen who'll have two feet in the World Group after Sunday's reverse singles.