Tennis

Williams sisters to face Russians in Fed Cup

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-06-28 08:23

U.S. Fed Cup captain Zina Garrison has picked both Williams sisters in her squad to face Russia in next month's semi-final.

Garrison named an unchanged squad from the one which beat Belgium 5-0 in April with Venus and Serena Williams teaming up with doubles specialist Lisa Raymond and Vania King for the tie which will be played at Stowe, Vermont.

"Because of the way the team gelled at Delray (against Belgium), I didn't want to shake things up," said Garrison, explaining her selection in a media teleconference.

The Americans, 17-times Fed Cup winners, will face the 2005 winners on July 14-15 at a venue already sold out.

Garrison said that she was impressed by the enthusiasm of her squad to take part in the competition and win it for the first time since 2000.

"They have definitely shown their interest and they want to bring the Cup back after so long," she said.

The U.S. captain said she was not sure which Russian women, from their numerous top ranked players, would be lining up but felt that regardless of selection they would be tough opponents.

"They have so much depth, they are so strong whoever will play," she said.