TENNIS in DEPTH.

Melanie Oudin will lead the United States against host France in a Fed Cup quarterfinal matchup next week.

The 18-year-old Oudin will be joined on the U.S. squad by Bethanie Mattek- Sands, Shenay Perry and 33-year-old world No. 1 doubles player Liezel Huber. Oudin and Huber were part of last year’s American team that reached the Fed Cup final, but lost to Italy.

“After reaching the Fed Cup final in 2009, I know the team is committed to working hard again this year, starting next weekend in France,” said U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez.

The U.S. and France will play the best-of-five tie on red clay at Stade Couvert Regional in Lievin from February 6-7.

The 17-time champion Americans are a lopsided 10-1 all-time against France in Fed Cup competition, but lost the last meeting between the two countries in the 2003 final.

Team USA hasn’t captured the Cup since 2000.

The French team will consist of Alize Cornet, Julie Coin, Pauline Parmenter and Stephanie Cohen-Aloro.

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