United States Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez says world No. 1 Serena Williams’ participation would make her team the favorite against defending champion Italy in the first round of next year’s tournament. The tie, which will be held at Cleveland’s Public Auditorium, February 8-9, will mark the fourth meeting between the nations in the last six years. Italy has won the last three meetings, including a 3-2 victory in Italy on clay in February 2013. The U.S. leads the overall series, 9-3, but hasn’t beaten Italy since 2003.
“Well, from past experiences, you know when Serena’s not there, Italy has been the favorite,” Fernandez said. “They have Sara Errani in the Top 10. Roberta Vinci is bordering the Top 10. Number one doubles [team] in the world. Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone, a couple juniors behind them, Karin Knapp and [Camilla] Giorgi, who played well at the U.S. Open. So they’re very well rounded, the Italian team. They’re very experienced as well as different game styles. They’re very capable of altering who needs to play when and against which opponent.
“It’s been a big challenge for us for the last five years when we play against the Italian teams. Obviously, if Serena plays, which I’m counting on her playing, then we become the favorites.”
Fernandez added that all the U.S. players have committed to playing the tie, but that could change depending on health. Serena did not play in the 2013 loss to Italy, but did play at home in April when the U.S. won a playoff round over Sweden, as did her sister Venus. Serena is 13-0 in Fed Cup competition but has only played sporadically since her first tie in 1999, which was against Italy.
Other players who could see action in Cleveland include No. 12 Sloane Stephens, No. 28 Jamie Hampton, No. 38 Madison Keys, No. 47 Venus Williams, and No. 48 Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Fernandez revealed that Hampton spent four to six weeks in a boot this fall after suffering a heel injury and has just began to practice again.