Serena pulls out of Fed Cup final

The USA will be without Serena Williams when they face Italy in the Fed Cup final after the year-end world number one withdrew on Saturday.

Williams, who will reclaim the top ranking on Monday, has not played for the USA in the Fed Cup since 2007.

She will be replaced by Vania King, with Melanie Oudin, Liezel Huber and Alexa Glatch competing the team.

Italy beat champions Russia in the semi-finals, while an inexperienced USA team beat the Czech Republic.

The final takes place on 7-8 November in Reggio Calabria, Italy, and the hosts will be represented by Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone, Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani.

"I definitely really want to go, but I don't think I would do well physically," said Serena after defeating sister Venus in the Sony Ericsson Championships final on Sunday.

"It's very difficult to play such a mental week and then come back and play again. Right now I'm just struggling in every aspect of my body.

"It's a very difficult decision that I actually couldn't make. I had to get input from my mom and my dad. People that are close to me had to just basically tell me what I needed to do as opposed to me making the decision."

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