Venus Williams out of USA's Fed Cup clash

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The United States Fed Cup team will have to do without Venus Williams against Italy when they attempt to claim a World Group place this weekend.

Venus was set to join her sister – and world number one – Serena in Brindisi as the US look to bounce back following their relegation to World Group II in 2014.

However, the 34-year-old has been forced to withdraw due to personal reasons, and will be replaced by Lauren Davis for the play-off tie.

The world number 66 joins Alison Riske and Christina McHale as part of squad against a strong Italian quartet who are all ranked inside the top 60.

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