Fed Cup News

Still awaiting final announcement from the USTA and Captain Mary Joe Fernandez on the roster for U.S.A. versus Russia semi-final tie. The U.S.A. will host Russia in Birmingham, AL April 24-25. However, it appears that Venus Williams has indicated that she will not be playing due to a leg injury she sustained while playing in Miami. The Russians are also facing some challenges with Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kutnesova, and Vera Zvonareva electing not to play. Elena Dementieva may be available. So it looks like this leaves the Russians with "second string" options; namely, Nadia Petrova (No. 18), Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (No. 30), Elena Vesnina (No. 33), and Ekaterina Makarova (No. 62). What a tough problem to have. *sarcasm*

In the World Group Playoff, Belgium's Fed Cup captain, Sabine Appelmans, has announced a solid, experienced roster that includes: Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, Yanina Wickmayer, and Kirsten Flipkens. The Belgians are scheduled to play Estonia April 24-25. The winner will gain a spot in next year's top tier. Wickmayer and Flipkens have formed the foundation for the Belgian team in the past few years. Neither Clijsters nor Henin have played Fed Cup in almost 4 years.

courtesy: Matt Cronin www.tennis.com & www.fedcup.com