AP News, January 29th, 2007
Venus Williams will play in the Fed Cup against Belgium.
U.S. Fed Cup captain Zina Garrison said Monday that Williams, who missed the Australian Open with a left wrist injury, has committed to play in the first round on April 21-22 at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center.
Williams is scheduled to return to competition for the Diamond Games on Feb. 12-18 in Antwerp, Belgium, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Monday.
"Venus is really looking forward to playing Fed Cup this year," Garrison said during a teleconference call. "Venus contacted me around the end of November and said she was really interested in playing. She's excited about trying to bring the Cup back to the U.S."
Williams has a 13-3 Fed Cup record and helped the United States win the title over Russia in her Fed Cup debut in 1999. The U.S. has won the Fed Cup 17 times, but not since 2000.
Garrison said she'd like to lure Serena Williams, who won her eighth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, onto the Fed Cup roster.
"I have been in talks with Jill Smoller, Serena's agent, and been texting Serena about playing," Garrison said. "I think our being back in Delray Beach gives me a lot of edge since it's close to her home."
The Williams sisters live in nearby Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., about a half-hour drive from the Delray Beach facility.
Garrison, who said Venus Williams is practicing full-time, will announce the rest of her roster later. She mentioned young players Vania King and Ashley Harkleroad as possibilities, along with doubles specialist Lisa Raymond.
In the 2005 first round, Venus Williams, Serena Williams (who did not play), Lindsay Davenport and Corina Morariu beat a young, unheralded Belgium team 5-0 at the same Delray Beach facility.
Garrison expects Kim Clijsters, who will retire after this season, to be on the Belgium team.
"When we played here before, I had the best team you could ever think about having," Garrison said. "I think this time around we'll have the opportunity to play against Clijsters since this is to be her last time to play Fed Cup. I think Justine (Henin) is a wait-and-see until its closer to April."
