Babalola Tomiwa
Bad news for the United States Tennis team as world number 16, Venus Williams pulled out of the US Fed Cup team scheduled to face Italy on Saturday and Sunday for personal reasons.
The 34 year old seven-time Grand Slam champion has now been replaced by Lauren Davis.
The rest of the team for Saturday's clash against Italy are world number one, Serena Williams, Alison Riske and Christina McHale complete the US team.
Italy have won the last four meetings between the two nations, and the winners of this tie will move up into the World Group next year.
"Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to prepare." BBC
Meanwhile, Russia will also miss the services of the world number two, Maria Sharapova as she will also not be available for her country in the Fed Cup semi-final against Germany this weekend.
The 27-year-old has not played since her shock exit to world number 97 Daria Gavrilova at the Miami Open last month.
"My team and I specially changed my timetable so that I could represent my country in the semi-final," she said.
"However, unfortunately I picked up a leg injury and it did not allow me to be in the best condition to get ready for this tie."
The five-time Grand Slam winner added: "I need to be at the top of my game in order to help my team and play to the best of my ability in the Fed Cup semi-finals against such strong opponents.
Tennis: Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova to miss US Fed Cup clash against Italy and Germany
Reviewed by Unknown
on
16:31:00
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
16:31:00
Rating:
No comments: