Williams sisters decline invitation to play in Fed Cup

Venus and Serena Williams have declined an invitation to play in the first round of the Fed Cup against Argentina for the United States, the USTA has reported.

"This year, with the new schedule, the new commitments, I don't think it's the best time for me," Serena Williams said when asked about the Fed Cup at the Australian Open, where she will play Elena Dementieva on Thursday in Melbourne for a berth in the final.

Mary Joe Fernandez, the new U.S. Captain, chose Bethanie Mattek, Jill Craybas, Melanie Oudin and Liezel Huber for the team.

Gisela Dulko, Betina Jozami, Soledad Esperon and Aranza Salut are the players who were chosen for the Argentine group, by Captain Ricardo Rivera.