Fed Cup Begins Today in La Jolla

LA JOLLA (Ticker) - The United States has the most Fed Cup titles, but it has been a while since the country has hoisted the trophy. Led by resurgent Lindsay Davenport, the Americans hope to take their first step toward changing that this weekend when they face Germany in the first round of the International Tennis Federation event.

The Americans are seeking their 18th Fed Cup title and 27th final appearances though the country hasn't claimed victory since defeating Spain in 2000. With seven Fed Cup titles, Australia is distant second to the U.S. Davenport, who last played for the U.S. team in 2005, has been the feel-good story of American tennis during the past five months. The 31-year-old returned to the WTA Tour in September following an 11-month absence to give birth to her first child. Since returning, the former No. 1 has gone 19-2 and captured three titles. In her most recent action, she lost in the second round of the Australian Open to Russia's Maria Sharapova, who went on to win the Grand Slam event. "I am honored to represent my country on the U.S. Fed Cup team once again," said Davenport, upon being named to the team in December. "My Fed Cup appearances have given me some of the best memories of my career and I look forward to La Jolla and helping our team advance to the semifinals." Since her debut with the team in 1993, Davenport has a 31-2 record in Fed Cup play, including a perfect 6-0 mark in doubles competition. She has led the team to three titles, five finals and has not lost a match in Fed Cup competition since 1994.

Teaming with Davenport for the best-of-five tie at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club will be Laura Granville, Ashley Harkleroad and Lisa Raymond. "Lindsay is such a great Fed Cup competitor and her return to tennis last season proved her love for and commitment to the game," U.S. Fed Cup captain Zina Garrison said. "We are thrilled to have her back on the team and it will be exciting to watch her compete for her country once again."

Germany, which hasn't won this event since 1992 and is 4-7 against the U.S., counters with Tatjana Malek, Julia Goerges, Sabine Lisicki and Anna-Lena Groenefeld. On the road in it first-round tie, defending champion Russia is tied with Israel, 1-1. Shahar Peer had given Israel the lead with a 0-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Dinara Safina. However, Russia evened things up when Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova coasted to a 6-0, 6-4 win over Tzipi Obziler. The reverse singles and doubles matches will be played on Sunday in the best-of-five encounter.

Taking advantage of a depleted France squad, China raced out to a 2-0 lead. Na Li opened things in front of the home crowd for China by cruising to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alize Cornet. Shuai Peng followed with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Virginie Razzano. Razzano, who suffered her first singles loss in Fed Cup, will have to regroup for Sunday when she is set to face Li in a must-win match for France. "I am really disappointed to have lost," Razzano said. "It's never easy to lose when playing for your country. But we still have tomorrow. She played a great match and I did everything that I could and gave my all." France is not fielding its best team this weekend after Amelie Mauresmo and Marion Bartoli opted out of the tie. In the other first-round match this weekend, Spain travels to play Italy - the 2006 champion and runner-up a year ago.

NC Sports will be at the Fed Cup live on Sunday.