King Leaves U.S. Fed Cup Team, Garrison Stays On

It is unclear whether Zina Garrison can get top players Lindsay Davenport, Serena and Venus Williams, and Jennifer Capriati to step up and play the beleagered Fed Cup competition in 2005, but the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is willing to give it another try.

The USTA has granted Garrison the bare-bones minimum one-year extention on her contract as captain. The U.S. will face Belgium in their next tie in April, with the proposition of the U.S. staring across the net at two former No. 1s in Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters.

This year Garrison could only field the "C"-team of Lisa Raymond and Chanda Rubin as the U.S. bowed out to Austria in the quarterfinals, a difficult proposition for U.S. Fed Cup fans (an endangered species) to swallow with so many high-powered stars on the roster.

Former captain Billie Jean King also retired as a coach for the U.S. Fed Cup team this week, leaving a legacy of seven Fed Cup titles as a player (with a 52-4 record) and four as a captain.

"My wonderful experiences with the U.S. Fed Cup team have provided me the special opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of women's sports and international team tennis," said King in a statement. "I have been very fortunate to play and work beside so many great players and coaches, including Zina -- who is certain to have great success leading the team."

The Fed Cup has become something to be avoided rather than supported for the top players, with Amelie Mauresmo opting out for rest before France competed in the semifinals this year. Last year both Henin-Hardenne and Clijsters opted out of the semifinals in protest of the late-year scheduling.