 Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 20 Apr 2007 |
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| 20 Apr 2007 - Delray Beach Tennis Center, Delray Beach, FL, USA - Sandra Harwitt | |
| Venus to open in Delray Beach |
Serena and Venus Williams have arrived at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie against Belgium with new hairstyles and an eagerness to lead the United States to the semifinals.
Venus Williams will open the quarterfinal tie at the tropical Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center by taking on No. 132 Kirsten Flipkens, a 21-year-old responsible for being the top player on the Belgian team.
The full draw is as follows:
Venus Williams (USA) v Kirsten Flipkens (BEL)
Serena Williams (USA) v Caroline Maes (BEL)
Serena Williams (USA) v Kirsten Flipkens (BEL)
Venus Williams (USA) v Caroline Maes (BEL)
Vania King/Lisa Raymond (USA) v Tamaryn Hendler/Yanina Wickmayer (BEL)
“I’ve seen her play a little bit actually on TV when USA played Belgium last time,” said the 22nd-ranked Venus Williams, of this first encounter against Flipkens. “I think it’s going to be crucial for me just to play my game, as usual.”
In the second match on Saturday, Serena Williams will take on 227th ranked Caroline Maes for the first time in her career.
It just boils down to confidence says Serena
“I’m not real familiar with her game,” said the 12th ranked Serena Williams. You know, 90 percent of the players I play sometimes on tour, I’m not really familiar with their game. It just boils down to me and having confidence in me. I couldn’t have any more right now.”
In the reverse singles on Sunday, Serena Williams will face Flipkens, while Venus Williams will follow against Maes.
The doubles match that will conclude the tie will be contested between Vania King and Lisa Raymond for the United States and Tamaryn Hendler and Yanina Wickmayer for Belgium.
US captain Zina Garrison is confident that her team can sail through the weekend. But she isn’t counting on a semifinal spot against the winner of the Fed Cup by PNB Paribas quarterfinal tie between Spain and Russia just yet.
“I’m just really fortunate enough to have the best team going into this tie,” Garrison said. “I believe in both [Venus and Serena Williams] of their games. They’ve both been No. 1. They both are champions. They both understand that regardless of where you have to play, you got to get out there and take care of business.”
Sabine Appelmans new for Belgium
Although her team is definitely classified as the underdog of this tie, newly instituted Belgian captain Sabine Appelmans has faith that her players will go on court and give their best effort.
“We know it’s very difficult for us,” said Appelmans, who had a 32-22 record during the 12 years she played Fed Cup. “We’ve gotten ready this week. We’ve practiced hard. We’re ready to play.”
Flipkens, 21, says she is ready to take to the court as the leader of her team.
“As long as I give myself a hundred percent, then I’m happy after the tie,” Flipkens said. “No matter if I win or lose, I’ll just go out there, give myself a hundred percent and we’ll see what the score brings.”
And as for the new fashion statements being made by the Williams sisters this week – Venus has a retro-Afro do, while Serena has a traditional bob.
“I wanted to do something fun, different, fresh, modern, with a twist,” Serena Williams said. “I decided to chop it off.”
Venus Williams laughingly explained her new carefree style with honesty: “I’ve nominated not to straighten it. It’s very, very ‘70s.”
The United States is in the hunt for an 18th career Fed Cup title this year, while Belgian is looking to win its second Fed Cup trophy.
Related Links on other websites
> Information from USTA
Related Links on Fedcup.com
> Tie Information
> Scorecards and stats from this tie
Related audio
 Interview with Serena Williams (USA)
Interview with Kirsten Flipkens (BEL)
 
Update media player above.
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