U.S. to miss Williams sisters for Fed Cup semifs against Russia

WASHINGTON, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The United States tennis team will play daunting Russia without the Williams sisters in the squad in this weekend's Fed Cup semifinals.

Venus Williams cited nagging leg injuries, similar to those of sister Serena to quit the event.

"I waited until this moment in hopes that I would have an opportunity to play, but I am being advised by my medical support team that I will need more time to recover," Williams said in a statement Wednesday.

The absence of the Williams sisters means 18-year-old Melanie Oudin, ranked number 31 in the world, will be the top singles player on an American squad.

The U.S. has not beaten Russia since 1999.