• Fed Cup

McHale picked ahead of Venus for Fed Cup singles duties

ESPN staff
February 4, 2012
Venus Williams is likely to be saved for Sunday's doubles © PA Photos
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Serena Williams will play Fed Cup tennis for the first time since 2007, but sister Venus Williams has been left out of the singles in favour of teenager Christina McHale in their World Group II clash against Belarus.

McHale, 19, is the second-ranked American on the WTA Tour at No. 38, while Venus Williams, who has been recovering from an autoimmune disease, has dropped outside the world's top 100 having not played since withdrawing from the US Open.

Williams is expected to play in the doubles, partnering top-ranked doubles player Liezel Huber, although she may feature in Sunday's reverse singles.

McHale faces the unenviable task of playing world No. 1 and Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who leads the Belarusian team in Massachusetts.

Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez admitted Williams' lack of match practice was a concern.

"Christina is very match-fit," Fernandez said. "She had a great Australian Open and is very prepared and ready to play. Venus has had a great week of practice as well, but I think Christina has been playing a lot more. Venus hasn't played really since the US Open, so I need her fresh for Sunday."

The winners of the tie will advance to the World Group play-off and the chance to reach the elite group of the competition in 2013. Seventeen-time champions United States are playing in the World Group-II for the first time.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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