Serena in Fed Cup
Published: October 29, 2009 4:53 am On: Sports

WHITE PLAINS: The United States, who are looking for their first Fed Cup win
in nine years, has added Serena Williams to their roster for the tournament
which begins next month. Williams, however, will not be joined by sister
Venus for the Fed Cup against host Italy November 7-8. US Open
quarter-finalist Melanie Oudin was also named to the American team as were
top-ranked doubles player Liezel Huber and Alexa Glatch. This marks the first
trip back to the Fed Cup for the 28-year-old Serena since 2007. She has a
perfect 4-0 career record in Fed Cup singles.

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Serena, Oudin on U.S. Fed Cup team for final
Sportsnet Staff   October 28, 2009, 12:51 AM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON — Serena Williams has been officially included on the United States
team to face Italy in the Fed Cup final — but her sister Venus will not play.

Serena was named along with U.S. Open quarter-finalist Melanie Oudin, Liezel
Huber and Alexa Glatch for the best-of-five series on Nov. 7-8 against Italy
on outdoor clay in Reggio Calabria.

The International Tennis Federation made the announcement Wednesday.

Both Williams sisters are playing in this week's Sony Ericsson Championships
in Doha, the last WTA Tour tournament of the year for the world's top eight
players.

Venus, who lost a three-setter to Serena on Wednesday, said she was too tired
to play the final but expected the team to do well without her.

"I'm just unable to play more tennis after this," Venus said. "The team got
to the finals without me. So they can definitely win without me."

Serena leads active women with 11 Grand Slam singles titles and is 4-0 in Fed
Cup singles over her career. She wasn't fretting the team's chances without
Venus.

"Melanie Oudin is a great player, as well as Alexa Glatch," she said. "We
have a great team."

Italy will be represented by Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone, Sara
Errani and Roberta Vinci.