Door open for Williams sisters to make Fed Cup return

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NEW YORK: A spot on the United States Fed Cup squad was left open for Serena or Venus Williams by captain Mary Joe Fernandez on Wednesday as she named her team for a semi-final showdown against Russia.With world number one Serena Williams and her sister Venus battling injuries, 18-year-old Melanie Oudin will lead the Americans into the April 24-25 tie in Birmingham, Alabama.

Also named to the US squad were Bethanie Mattek-Sands and world’s top ranked doubles player Liezel Huber.

“Melanie, Liezel and Bethanie are ready to represent the US again and take on a formidable Russian team for the chance to return to the Fed Cup Final,” Fernandez said in a statement.

“We are leaving the fourth spot open in case Venus or Serena is healthy enough to compete.  The plan is to give them as much time as possible and we hope to make a decision early next week.” — Reuters