ANTWERP, Belgium (AP)—Her Australian Open trophy in tow, Kim Clijsters is leading a strong Belgian team against an injury-depleted United States in the Fed Cup this weekend.
Belgium would have been an overwhelming favorite to reach the quarterfinals but the sudden retirement of Justine Henin last week leaves the match more evenly balanced against a U.S. team which has reached the last two finals without the injured Williams sisters.
Clijsters, who beat Li Na for her fourth Grand Slam title last weekend, said Wednesday she still lacked sleep after her long trip home from Melbourne but should be fully fit to play the opening singles Saturday on an indoor hard court.
“I was able to make the switch real fast,” Clijsters said.
Her Australian Open cup will be prominently displayed at the 12,500-capacity Antwerp Sports Palace.
Based on ranking, No. 48 Bethanie Mattek-Sands and No. 61 Melanie Oudin of the U.S. should be no match for Clijsters and No. 26 Yanina Wickmayer. But the U.S. record in recent years shows the Americans don’t really need the Williams sisters to go far. They reached the last two finals, losing each time to Italy.
“It’s almost as a family reuniting, these Fed Cup weeks,” U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez said.
And facing a favorite, often away from home, no longer scares them.
“It is always a challenge when you’re an underdog but it is something our team really thrives on,” Fernandez said. “It brings out the best in our team.”
The Belgians have already heeded the warning.
“They perform great when they feel they are part of a team,” Clijsters said.
The U.S. team also includes Vania King and doubles specialist Liezel Huber.
Mattek-Sands already hit her groove early this season, helping the U.S. mixed team win the Hopman Cup.
“Mattek thrives in a team situation like this,” Clijsters said.
The Belgian star thrives in just about every situation these days.
Clijsters is on a high after reaching the final in Sydney before winning her first Australian Open crown to put her within reach of regaining the No. 1 ranking.
Less can be said of Wickmayer, who was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open, suffering from a nasty cough.
Wickmayer said she will be taking antibiotics right up to Saturday’s opening matches to get rid of the lingering symptoms of the cold.
Wickmayer will be the key match the Americans will be targeting during the opening day. After two singles on Saturday, Sunday has reverse singles and a possible deciding doubles.
The U.S. hasn’t won the Cup since 2000, a 5-0 win over Spain. It has never lost consecutive Fed Cup matches.