USA faces a mammoth task in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group first round on 5-6 February, travelling to Antwerp to play a Belgian side that includes Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands is fully aware that the visitors will be underdogs, but then that’s how they’ve spent much of the last two seasons when they reached back-to-back finals.
Mattek-Sands leads the team in the absence of the injured Williams sisters, announced captain Mary Joe Fernandez on Tuesday, while Melanie Oudin, Vania King and Liezel Huber have also been named.
“Once again Bethanie, Melanie and Liezel have answered the call and are ready to start another Fed Cup campaign,” said Fernandez. “Venus was going to play until her injury in Australia. Vania King will join the team and is able to help us in singles or doubles. It is a big challenge, but our team always welcomes the opportunity to represent their country and compete on the Fed Cup stage.”
Mattek-Sands talks to Chris Bowers ahead of the tie.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) - 25/01/2011