Fed Cup Final 11/7 - 11/8/2009 - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**enrisaabsotte** · 10-28-2009, 12:50 AM

WORLD NO. 2 SERENA WILLIAMS TO LEAD U.S. FED CUP TEAM INTO FINAL AGAINST ITALY;

WORLD NO. 1 DOUBLES PLAYER LIEZEL HUBER, US OPEN QUARTERFINALIST MELANIE OUDIN AND ALEXA GLATCH TO ROUND OUT TEAM

2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final Takes Place

November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria

Daily Coverage on Tennis Channel
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 27, 2009 -- The USTA and U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced today that World No. 2 Serena Williams will make her first Fed Cup appearance since 2007 for the U.S. in the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group final versus Italy. Williams hopes to lead the U.S. to the Fed Cup title for the first time since 2000 and will be joined by Liezel Huber, the No. 1 doubles player in the world, US Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin and Alexa Glatch. The final will be contested on a red clay court at the Circolo del Tennis “Rocco Polimeni” in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on November 7-8.

The best-of-five match series begins on Saturday, November 7 with two singles matches and is followed by two reverse singles matches and the doubles match on Sunday, November 8. Tennis Channel will present daily live coverage beginning at 5:00 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.

“I am very excited that Serena wants to represent her country. As Captain, you want to have your best players competing, and Serena is the best in the world,” said U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez. “Liezel is unquestionably our team leader and her strong doubles play has clinched both ties this season. Melanie is possibly the most improved player in the world this year, as evidenced by her incredible run at the US Open, and Alexa won two key matches on the road against the Czech Republic in April and will not be intimidated by the environment. I strongly believe that this team can go into Italy and win the Fed Cup title.”

Williams, 28, will make her first appearance in Fed Cup since 2007 and is undefeated in her Fed Cup career. She has earned the No. 1 ranking on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour twice this season after a year in which she captured her 10th and 11th Grand Slam titles by winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She also partnered with sister Venus to win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open doubles titles. Williams is 4-0 in Fed Cup singles play, and helped the U.S. capture the 1999 Fed Cup title. She and Venus also won the Olympic Gold Medal in women’s doubles in 2000 and 2008.

Huber, 33, became a U.S. citizen on July 25, 2007, with the hopes of playing for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. Huber, a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion who won the 2008 US Open, finished the 2007 season tied for No. 1 in the world doubles rankings and has not surrendered the top spot since. Born in South Africa, Huber spent four years on the South African Fed Cup team and posted a 9-3 overall record (9-2 doubles) in 12 ties -- all on red clay. She has won all three of her matches for the U.S. in Fed Cup play, including tie-clinching matches with partner Julie Ditty against Argentina in this year’s quarterfinal and with Bethanie Mattek-Sands against the Czech Republic to send the U.S. to the 2009 Fed Cup final.

Oudin, 18, will be making her third straight appearance for the U.S. Fed Cup team after earning a key singles victory against Argentina with the U.S. facing a 2-1 deficit in February’s quarterfinal. Oudin has shot up the rankings in 2009 after a breakthrough year and is currently ranked No. 47 in the world. She defeated former World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic en route to a fourth round appearance at Wimbleon, and recently made headlines when she upset 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Dementieva and former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova in three set matches to become the youngest American quarterfinalist at the US Open since 1999. Oudin also won back-to-back USTA Pro Circuit titles at $50,000 events in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., and Raleigh, N.C., in May.

Glatch, 20, will make her second consecutive Fed Cup appearance for the U.S. after winning two singles matches in her debut against the Czech Republic in the 2009 World Group semifinals. Glatch won her fifth career singles title on the USTA Pro Circuit in Laguna Niguel, Calif., in January, and had her best-ever showing in a tour-level event in Indian Wells, Calif., where she reached the third round. She also upset Italy’s Flavia Pennetta in the first round of the 2009 French Open to match her best result in a Grand Slam. Glatch is currently ranked No. 136 in the world.

The U.S. is undefeated against Italy in Fed Cup competition, having won all nine previous meetings between the two countries. The U.S. won the last meeting between the two nations in 2003 in the quarterfinal tie in Washington, D.C., as Chanda Rubin and Meghann Shaughnessy each won two singles matches to lead the U.S. to a 5-0 victory. The U.S. and Italy have never met in the Fed Cup final.

Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the world’s largest annual international women’s team competition with 85 countries competing this year. The United States leads all nations with 17 Fed Cup titles -- the last coming in 2000 -- and is one of eight nations which competed for the 2009 Fed Cup title as part of the Fed Cup World Group. For more information, including access to player and historical Fed Cup records, please go to www.usta.com.

# # #

**Peretool** · 10-28-2009, 01:27 AM

Sounds like Serena is trying to suck up to the USTA so that her ITF punishment can be reduced.

**SannyGlow** · 10-28-2009, 03:13 AM

No Venus--she must either be injured or mentally ready for a break.

**staisacic** · 10-28-2009, 05:06 AM

No Venus--she must either be injured or mentally ready for a break.

IF Venus promises to try real hard to keep more of her shots in court, there's a slim chance that V might be invited to attend as Oudin's Glatch's practice partner.

Maybe Rita Grande'll be available for a pick-up match for V that weekend.

**BamSaitinypap** · 10-28-2009, 08:18 AM

Maybe Rita Grande'll be available for a pick-up match for V that weekend.

Just in from Grande's agent: Rita has the swine flu and decided to call Juan Carlos instead.

**payporanymn** · 10-29-2009, 01:36 AM

Just in from Grande's agent: Rita has the swine flu and decided to call Juan Carlos instead.

**loikrso** · 10-29-2009, 01:44 AM

Sounds like Serena is trying to suck up to the USTA so that her ITF punishment can be reduced.

What is her punishment?

I haven't been following.

**Automobill** · 10-29-2009, 07:40 AM

What is her punishment?

I haven't been following.

I believe it hasn't been determined yet.

**Rqvtwlfk** · 10-31-2009, 03:23 AM

26 Oct 2009
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award

The inaugural Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Italy and USA. The Final is being held in Reggio Calabria on 7-8 November.

The Heart Award aims to recognise a player who has represented her country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team during the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.

There are four nominees for the Award, all selected for their exploits in this year’s competition: Alexa Glatch, Melanie Oudin, Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.

Along with the honour of this prestigious Award, the winner will receive a unique Heart bracelet and a cheque for $2,500 to donate to her chosen charity.

Starting in 2010, a Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented to a different player after each round of the World Group. In addition, a player from each Zonal Group will also be recognised.

The winner will be decided by an online public vote, taking place from 26 October until 4 November on fedcup.com and fedcup.com/es. Find out more about all of the nominees and cast your vote now…

http://www.fedcup.com/news/newsartic...rticleid=12545

**Rqvtwlfk** · 10-31-2009, 03:24 AM

Official team nominations

USA

Serena WILLIAMS
Melanie OUDIN
Alexa GLATCH
Liezel HUBER

Team Captain - Mary Joe FERNANDEZ

ITALY

Flavia PENNETTA
Francesca SCHIAVONE
Sara ERRANI
Roberta VINCI

Team Captain - Corrado BARAZZUTTI

**Automobill** · 10-31-2009, 03:30 PM

Serena has withdrawn. Congrats to Italy!

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

**bobibnoxx** · 10-31-2009, 03:33 PM

Shocking.

So, anyone else thinks Serena was never going to play and this was just a ticket-selling ploy? Do the proceeds go to ITF or the Italian Federation?

**Automobill** · 10-31-2009, 03:34 PM

Shocking.

So, who else thinks Serena was never going to play and this was just a ticket-selling ploy?

You really think that's necessary in Italy???

**bobibnoxx** · 10-31-2009, 03:40 PM

You really think that's necessary in Italy???

I rephrased the question...

For the ITF, it might be important. They're now streaming the final online.. maybe not enough TV channels were picking it up, so I guess I meant publicity ploy, rather than ticket-selling ploy

**SingleMan** · 10-31-2009, 04:05 PM

Serena has withdrawn. Congrats to Italy!

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

quote from this article

Vania King replaces Williams on the roster, joining surprise U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin, Liezel Huber and Alexa Glatch. Yay Vania King!

**enrisaabsotte** · 10-31-2009, 04:13 PM

USTA Statement Regarding Serena Williams’ Withdrawal from the 2009 Fed Cup Final

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. vs. Italy Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final set to take place November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Williams will be replaced by Vania King. King will be making her sixth appearance on the U.S. Fed Cup team.

**insightmike** · 10-31-2009, 04:53 PM

USTA Statement Regarding Serena Williams’ Withdrawal from the 2009 Fed Cup Final

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. vs. Italy Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final set to take place November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Williams will be replaced by Vania King. King will be making her sixth appearance on the U.S. Fed Cup team.

I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play!

**allvideO** · 10-31-2009, 06:15 PM

I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play!

Are you that surprised ?

**smifatv** · 10-31-2009, 06:42 PM

I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play!

And I think she intended to, regardless of popular opinion.

**gardenerextraordinaire** · 10-31-2009, 06:47 PM

After what I saw today, it makes perfect sense. Serena needs rest.

On the other hand, there was speculation before that Serena's commitment to playing the Fed Cup final may be tied to her trying to make some amends with the USTA. While I really think this is about her injury and needing some rest, I can't help but wonder if perhaps there is some disciplinary action headed her way, she's knows it, and she's basically saying, "Well, screw it." And the injury isn't really part of the equation.

JUST speculation. But I can't help but wonder.

10-28-2009, 12:50 AM	#1
enrisaabsotte Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 441 Senior Member	Fed Cup Final 11/7 - 11/8/2009 WORLD NO. 2 SERENA WILLIAMS TO LEAD U.S. FED CUP TEAM INTO FINAL AGAINST ITALY; WORLD NO. 1 DOUBLES PLAYER LIEZEL HUBER, US OPEN QUARTERFINALIST MELANIE OUDIN AND ALEXA GLATCH TO ROUND OUT TEAM 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final Takes Place November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria Daily Coverage on Tennis Channel WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 27, 2009 -- The USTA and U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced today that World No. 2 Serena Williams will make her first Fed Cup appearance since 2007 for the U.S. in the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group final versus Italy. Williams hopes to lead the U.S. to the Fed Cup title for the first time since 2000 and will be joined by Liezel Huber, the No. 1 doubles player in the world, US Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin and Alexa Glatch. The final will be contested on a red clay court at the Circolo del Tennis “Rocco Polimeni” in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on November 7-8. The best-of-five match series begins on Saturday, November 7 with two singles matches and is followed by two reverse singles matches and the doubles match on Sunday, November 8. Tennis Channel will present daily live coverage beginning at 5:00 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. “I am very excited that Serena wants to represent her country. As Captain, you want to have your best players competing, and Serena is the best in the world,” said U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez. “Liezel is unquestionably our team leader and her strong doubles play has clinched both ties this season. Melanie is possibly the most improved player in the world this year, as evidenced by her incredible run at the US Open, and Alexa won two key matches on the road against the Czech Republic in April and will not be intimidated by the environment. I strongly believe that this team can go into Italy and win the Fed Cup title.” Williams, 28, will make her first appearance in Fed Cup since 2007 and is undefeated in her Fed Cup career. She has earned the No. 1 ranking on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour twice this season after a year in which she captured her 10th and 11th Grand Slam titles by winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She also partnered with sister Venus to win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open doubles titles. Williams is 4-0 in Fed Cup singles play, and helped the U.S. capture the 1999 Fed Cup title. She and Venus also won the Olympic Gold Medal in women’s doubles in 2000 and 2008. Huber, 33, became a U.S. citizen on July 25, 2007, with the hopes of playing for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. Huber, a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion who won the 2008 US Open, finished the 2007 season tied for No. 1 in the world doubles rankings and has not surrendered the top spot since. Born in South Africa, Huber spent four years on the South African Fed Cup team and posted a 9-3 overall record (9-2 doubles) in 12 ties -- all on red clay. She has won all three of her matches for the U.S. in Fed Cup play, including tie-clinching matches with partner Julie Ditty against Argentina in this year’s quarterfinal and with Bethanie Mattek-Sands against the Czech Republic to send the U.S. to the 2009 Fed Cup final. Oudin, 18, will be making her third straight appearance for the U.S. Fed Cup team after earning a key singles victory against Argentina with the U.S. facing a 2-1 deficit in February’s quarterfinal. Oudin has shot up the rankings in 2009 after a breakthrough year and is currently ranked No. 47 in the world. She defeated former World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic en route to a fourth round appearance at Wimbleon, and recently made headlines when she upset 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Dementieva and former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova in three set matches to become the youngest American quarterfinalist at the US Open since 1999. Oudin also won back-to-back USTA Pro Circuit titles at $50,000 events in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., and Raleigh, N.C., in May. Glatch, 20, will make her second consecutive Fed Cup appearance for the U.S. after winning two singles matches in her debut against the Czech Republic in the 2009 World Group semifinals. Glatch won her fifth career singles title on the USTA Pro Circuit in Laguna Niguel, Calif., in January, and had her best-ever showing in a tour-level event in Indian Wells, Calif., where she reached the third round. She also upset Italy’s Flavia Pennetta in the first round of the 2009 French Open to match her best result in a Grand Slam. Glatch is currently ranked No. 136 in the world. The U.S. is undefeated against Italy in Fed Cup competition, having won all nine previous meetings between the two countries. The U.S. won the last meeting between the two nations in 2003 in the quarterfinal tie in Washington, D.C., as Chanda Rubin and Meghann Shaughnessy each won two singles matches to lead the U.S. to a 5-0 victory. The U.S. and Italy have never met in the Fed Cup final. Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the world’s largest annual international women’s team competition with 85 countries competing this year. The United States leads all nations with 17 Fed Cup titles -- the last coming in 2000 -- and is one of eight nations which competed for the 2009 Fed Cup title as part of the Fed Cup World Group. For more information, including access to player and historical Fed Cup records, please go to www.usta.com. # # # Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-28-2009, 01:27 AM	#2
Peretool Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 516 Senior Member	Sounds like Serena is trying to suck up to the USTA so that her ITF punishment can be reduced. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-28-2009, 03:13 AM	#3
SannyGlow Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 598 Senior Member	No Venus--she must either be injured or mentally ready for a break. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-28-2009, 05:06 AM	#4
staisacic Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 457 Senior Member	No Venus--she must either be injured or mentally ready for a break. IF Venus promises to try real hard to keep more of her shots in court, there's a slim chance that V might be invited to attend as Oudin's Glatch's practice partner. Maybe Rita Grande'll be available for a pick-up match for V that weekend. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-28-2009, 08:18 AM	#5
BamSaitinypap Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 502 Senior Member	Maybe Rita Grande'll be available for a pick-up match for V that weekend. Just in from Grande's agent: Rita has the swine flu and decided to call Juan Carlos instead. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-29-2009, 01:36 AM	#6
payporanymn Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 444 Senior Member	Just in from Grande's agent: Rita has the swine flu and decided to call Juan Carlos instead. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-29-2009, 01:44 AM	#7
loikrso Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 578 Senior Member	Sounds like Serena is trying to suck up to the USTA so that her ITF punishment can be reduced. What is her punishment? I haven't been following. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-29-2009, 07:40 AM	#8
Automobill Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 632 Senior Member	What is her punishment? I haven't been following. I believe it hasn't been determined yet. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:23 AM	#9
Rqvtwlfk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 453 Senior Member	26 Oct 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award The inaugural Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Italy and USA. The Final is being held in Reggio Calabria on 7-8 November. The Heart Award aims to recognise a player who has represented her country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team during the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. There are four nominees for the Award, all selected for their exploits in this year’s competition: Alexa Glatch, Melanie Oudin, Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone. Along with the honour of this prestigious Award, the winner will receive a unique Heart bracelet and a cheque for $2,500 to donate to her chosen charity. Starting in 2010, a Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented to a different player after each round of the World Group. In addition, a player from each Zonal Group will also be recognised. The winner will be decided by an online public vote, taking place from 26 October until 4 November on fedcup.com and fedcup.com/es. Find out more about all of the nominees and cast your vote now… http://www.fedcup.com/news/newsartic...rticleid=12545 Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:24 AM	#10
Rqvtwlfk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 453 Senior Member	Official team nominations USA Serena WILLIAMS Melanie OUDIN Alexa GLATCH Liezel HUBER Team Captain - Mary Joe FERNANDEZ ITALY Flavia PENNETTA Francesca SCHIAVONE Sara ERRANI Roberta VINCI Team Captain - Corrado BARAZZUTTI Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:30 PM	#11
Automobill Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 632 Senior Member	Serena has withdrawn. Congrats to Italy! http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:33 PM	#12
bobibnoxx Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 670 Senior Member	Shocking. So, anyone else thinks Serena was never going to play and this was just a ticket-selling ploy? Do the proceeds go to ITF or the Italian Federation? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:34 PM	#13
Automobill Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 632 Senior Member	Shocking. So, who else thinks Serena was never going to play and this was just a ticket-selling ploy? You really think that's necessary in Italy??? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 03:40 PM	#14
bobibnoxx Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 670 Senior Member	You really think that's necessary in Italy??? I rephrased the question... For the ITF, it might be important. They're now streaming the final online.. maybe not enough TV channels were picking it up, so I guess I meant publicity ploy, rather than ticket-selling ploy Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 04:05 PM	#15
SingleMan Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	Serena has withdrawn. Congrats to Italy! http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns quote from this article Vania King replaces Williams on the roster, joining surprise U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin, Liezel Huber and Alexa Glatch. Yay Vania King! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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10-31-2009, 04:13 PM	#16
enrisaabsotte Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 441 Senior Member	USTA Statement Regarding Serena Williams’ Withdrawal from the 2009 Fed Cup Final Serena Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. vs. Italy Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final set to take place November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Williams will be replaced by Vania King. King will be making her sixth appearance on the U.S. Fed Cup team. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 04:53 PM	#17
insightmike Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 529 Senior Member	USTA Statement Regarding Serena Williams’ Withdrawal from the 2009 Fed Cup Final Serena Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. vs. Italy Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final set to take place November 7-8 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Williams will be replaced by Vania King. King will be making her sixth appearance on the U.S. Fed Cup team. I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 06:15 PM	#18
allvideO Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 665 Senior Member	I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play! Are you that surprised ? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 06:42 PM	#19
smifatv Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 356 Senior Member	I thought she just said that she was definitely going to play! And I think she intended to, regardless of popular opinion. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

10-31-2009, 06:47 PM	#20
gardenerextraordinaire Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 709 Senior Member	After what I saw today, it makes perfect sense. Serena needs rest. On the other hand, there was speculation before that Serena's commitment to playing the Fed Cup final may be tied to her trying to make some amends with the USTA. While I really think this is about her injury and needing some rest, I can't help but wonder if perhaps there is some disciplinary action headed her way, she's knows it, and she's basically saying, "Well, screw it." And the injury isn't really part of the equation. JUST speculation. But I can't help but wonder. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote