Alicia Molik has been appointed Australia's Fed Cup captain after incumbent Dave Taylor stood down to devote himself to his full-time role coaching Sam Stosur.
After seven years as Fed Cup captain, during which he guided Stosur into the world's top 10 and to the 2011 US Open title, Taylor has decided to quit the post, possibly as a result of Stosur's recent struggles.
Since winning at Flushing Meadows 16 months ago, Stosur has managed just two wins from eight matches on home soil, her run of outs including last year's first-round defeat at Melbourne Park and her collapse from 5-2 up in the third set in her defeat to Zheng Jie on Wednesday.
Taylor's departure resulted in Tennis Australia turning to Molik, the former world number eight and Olympic bronze medallist.
"Dave has left big shoes to fill and I am really inspired by the challenge," said Molik, who takes over a team that starts 2013 in the World Group away against the Czech Republic.
"It is an exciting time in Australian tennis and we have the talent in this team to produce some great results."
While Molik is 'undaunted' by the challenge of facing the Czechs, she is also looking forward to joining forces with coach Nicole Bradtke and TA Head of Professional Tennis Todd Woodbridge.
"I am fortunate to be able to come into the position while being able to work with both Nicole and Todd. I can't wait for our first training session," Molik added.