Venus Williams to miss Fed Cup playoff for U.S. in Italy
Venus Williams has withdrawn from the United States team for this weekend's Fed Cup playoff in Italy because of a personal matter.
U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez tells The Associated Press that Williams is not injured and that her withdrawal is not related to any medical condition but rather "something came up."
Williams will be replaced by 57th-ranked Lauren Davis.
The American team is led by top-ranked Serena Williams and also includes No. 45 Alison Riske and No. 65 Christina McHale.
The Italian team includes No. 15 Sara Errani, No. 26 Flavia Pennetta, No. 36 Camila Giorgi and No. 55 Karin Knapp.
The Italians are without Roberta Vinci, who has an inflamed right elbow.
The best-of-five series will be played outdoors on red clay at the Circolo Tennis Brindisi.
