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King to play on U.S. Fed Cup Squad

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The USTA and U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced today that Vania King will replace Bethanie Mattek-Sands on the U.S. Fed Cup team that will face Germany this weekend in the 2011 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Playoff on an indoor clay court in Stuttgart, Germany. King will join teammates Melanie Oudin, Christina McHale, and Liezel Huber in Stuttgart on Wednesday.

Mattek-Sands aggravated a hip injury during a loss Sunday in the doubles final at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston. Mattek-Sands had appeared in four straight ties for the U.S. and has served as the team’s No.1 singles player for three consecutive ties, including the Fed Cup first round earlier this year against Belgium.

“We are fortunate that Vania is willing to answer the call on short notice and join the team. She’s been a great team member who is very versatile and can step in and play either singles or doubles.” said Fernandez. “Bethanie had a great run at Family Circle Cup, reaching the doubles final. Unfortunately she got hurt, but hopefully she can recover and get back on the court soon. She’s been a valuable member for our team the last two years. We look forward to having her on the Fed Cup team again.”

Currently the world’s No. 6 doubles player, King, 22, will be making her seventh appearance for the U.S. Fed Cup team. She partnered with Liezel Huber to record the only point for the U.S. in the first round tie versus Belgium, and has a 4-2 doubles record in her Fed Cup career. Last year, King partnered with Yaroslava Shvedova to capture the doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Tennis Channel will present daily coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Posted on April 13, 2011
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