Tennis

Petkovic returns for Fed Cup play

Published Apr. 11, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Germany coach Barbara Rittner has recalled 11th-ranked Andrea Petkovic to face Australia in the Fed Cup playoffs with Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki rested.

Petkovic, the highest-ranked German, returns after more than three months out with a lower back injury. She will play alongside Angelique Kerber, Julia Goerges and doubles specialist Anna-Lena Groenefeld.

Rittner says she is ''surprised how fit Andrea is already.''

Rittner decided not to risk Lisicki for the April 21-22 match in Stuttgart after the No. 13-ranked player was told to take a two-week break to rest her sprained ankle.

Germany must beat Australia to stay in the World Group after losing to Czech Republic in the first round in February.

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