US Fed Cup spot held open for Williams sisters

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -A spot on the U.S. Fed Cup team is being held open for Serena or Venus Williams, who are being given extra time to join the roster.

Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber are on the team announced Wednesday by U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez for the April 24-25 Fed Cup semifinal against Russia at Birmingham, Ala.

Fernandez said she is leaving the fourth roster spot open "in case Venus or Serena is healthy enough to compete." Serena Williams has been sidelined by a left knee injury since winning the Australian Open.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Fernandez hopes "to make a decision early next week." The roster can be changed up to one hour before the April 23 draw.

Oudin of Marietta, Ga., reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals last year.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Serena, SharapovaВ withdraw from Family Circle CupPrimera Liga Round-up