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Without Williams sisters, US faces test vs Italy
REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy (AP) U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez has expressed regret over the Williams sisters' decision to skip this weekend's Fed Cup final against Italy.
First Venus, then top-ranked Serena told Fernandez they wouldn't make it for the tie on red clay courts at the Rocco Polimeni club.
Fernandez said Thursday that "last week was a tough week. I found out about Venus in the beginning of the week and Serena Friday night, so disappointing for all of us."
Now 18-year-old Melanie Oudin, who reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, and 20-year-old Alexa Glatch lead the Americans. They will face top-20 players Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.
Updated November 5, 2009
© 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.