Garrison gets Fed Cup extension as captain

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Zina Garrison will return next year to captain the United States Fed Cup tennis team.

In 2003, the former player was the team's first-ever African-American captain after succeeding Billie Jean King. She received a one-year contract extension Wednesday.

The U.S. team has reached the semifinals in each of the last two years.

"Zina took an inexperienced team to the Fed Cup semifinals this year and we believe she is the right person who can take this group of rising American stars to the next level," said USTA President-elect Jane Brown Grimes. "Her strong relationship with our top players and her proven ability to mentor our up-and-comers means Zina can lead us to the Fed Cup title in 2007."

The United States will face powerful Belgium from April 21-22 in a World Group quarterfinal at a U.S. site that yet to be determined.

The Belgian team includes top 10 players Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne.