Navratilova returns to Fed Cup
Published : Nov 01, 2003 00:00 IST
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is to end an eight-year absence from Fed Cup and play for the United States in the semi-finals against Belgium to be held in November. Navratilova, who turned 47 on October 18, will be the oldest player ever to participate in the competition, but she owns a remarkable 37-0 Fed Cup record.
Navratilova is expected to be joined by Meghann Shaughnessy, Lisa Raymond and Alexandra Stevenson. The US is to play a Belgium outfit minus world No. 1 Kim Clijsters and No. 2 Justine Henin-Hardenne, while Russia face France in the semi-finals from November 19-20. Navratilova is expected to play doubles, possibly with Raymond.
Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati are all unavailable either because of injuries or conflicts with US Fed Cup captain Billie Jean King or both. Navratilova hasn't played in the Fed Cup since 1995.