Aryna Sabalenka levelled the scores for Belarus ©Getty Images

Belarus and United States are locked at 1-1 after the first day of singles action at the Fed Cup final in Minsk.

Coco Vandeweghe gave the US, seeking a first victory since 2000, a perfect start by beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-4, 6-4 in the opening match at the Chizhovka Arena.

But Belarus, who have never won the showpiece women's team event, hit back in front of a partisan home crowd.

Aryna Sabalenka withstood a second set fightback to beat US Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in front of a home crowd in Minsk.

Sabalenka will next face world number 10 Vandeweghe tomorrow, while Stephens will look to recover against Sasnovich.

Coco Vandeweghe secured the opening point for the US ©Getty Images
Coco Vandeweghe secured the opening point for the US ©Getty Images

A deciding doubles match will also take place if the scores remain level. 

The US - seeking a record 18th victory overall - are playing without both Venus and Serena Williams.

The host nation have also been deprived of one of their star players in Victoria Azarenka, with the former world number one currently engaged in a custody battle.

She is currently unable to take her 10-month-old son Leo out of California, leaving her unable to compete.

Azarenka also missed the US Open due to the same legal arrangement.