Serena and Venus Williams will play for U.S. in Fed Cup final

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In its quest to win its first Fed Cup in a decade, the U.S. will have the help of its two top players.

Serena and Venus Williams, ranked Nos. 1 and 4 in the world, respectively, have committed to representing the U.S. when it takes on Italy in the Fed Cup final Nov. 6 and 7 at the San Diego Sports Arena, the USTA and team captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced Thursday.

Neither one of the Williams sisters have played in the World Cup since 2007. They will join the core group of Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber.

‘As captain, you always want to have your best players. I am very excited that Venus and Serena have made themselves available for the Fed Cup Final in San Diego,’ said Fernandez, who led the U.S. to its first final appearance since 2003 last year.

‘Teaming Venus and Serena with Melanie, who continues to play an integral role in all of our Fed Cup matches, Bethanie, who has come through in decisive matches, and Liezel, who has been crucial in our doubles, we have one of the strongest line-ups in years. I strongly believe that this team can win the Fed Cup title on our home soil.’

The U.S. is looking to claim its first Fed Cup since winning back-to-back titles in 1999 (4-1 over Russia) and 2000 (5-0 over Spain). To do so, Fernandez’s team will have to avenge a 4-0 loss to Italy in last year’s final.

-- Chuck Schilken