REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy (AP) — U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez has expressed regret over the Williams sisters' decision to skip this weekend's Fed Cup final against Italy.

First Venus, then top-ranked Serena told Fernandez they wouldn't make it for the tie on red clay courts at the Rocco Polimeni club.

Fernandez said Thursday that "last week was a tough week. I found out about Venus in the beginning of the week and Serena Friday night, so disappointing for all of us."

Now 18-year-old Melanie Oudin, who reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open, and 20-year-old Alexa Glatch lead the Americans. They will face top-20 players Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.