{blackbabes} Venus Williams' Fed Cup spot goes to Vania King

Vania King has been chosen to take the U.S. Fed Cup roster spot originally expected to be filled by Venus Williams at next month's quarterfinal against Belgium.

U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced her team Tuesday, including Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams was expected to be on the team, but she told Fernandez she couldn't participate after injuring her hip at the Australian Open last week.

Her absence means neither Williams sister will play in the best-of-five series Feb. 5-6 on an indoor hard court at the 14,000-seat Antwerp Sports Palace. Williams' younger sister, 13-time major champion Serena, has not played a tournament match since July because of a foot injury.