Venus Williams will not play for U.S. in Fed Cup semifinals [Updated]
Venus Williams has decided not to play for the U.S. in the Fed Cup semifinals against Russia this weekend.
Venus Williams and her sister Serena are sidelined with leg problems. Williams informed U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez of the decision Wednesday morning.
"I waited until this moment in hopes that I would have an opportunity to play, but I am being advised by my medical support team that I will need more time to recover," Williams, who has been rehabilitating a knee injury, said in a statement to USTA.com.
Fernandez said Williams did everything she could to get ready but is just "not quite there." Williams wore wraps on both legs in the Sony Ericsson Open final, in which she lost to Kim Clijsters, 6-2, 6-1, earlier this month.
Either Christina McHale or Sloane Stephens will fill the final spot on the U.S. team, which also includes Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber.
-- Chuck Schilken
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Photo: Venus Williams wore wraps on both legs in the Sony Ericsson Open final earlier this month. Credit: Pedro Portal / MCT
