Columnist Victoria Sun: Tennis’ Federation Cup coming to Las Vegas

Victoria Sun

Friday, June 9, 2000 | 11:11 a.m.

Today marks the debut of Victoria Sun's tennis column, which will run regular ly during the summer months and periodically thereafter. To contribute to the column, reach her at 259-4078 or victoria@lasvegassun.com

There has been no official announcement, but the defending champion U.S. Fed Cup team will defend its title in November at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

Sources say the semifinals and finals of the women's equivalent of the Davis Cup will be held Thanksgiving weekend.

Belgium, Spain and the Czech Republic are the other three semifinalists. The semifinal round is set for Nov. 21 and 22 while the finals will be held Nov. 25 and 26.

The format for Fed Cup is the same as the Davis Cup -- four singles matches and one doubles match played over two days.

Last year's U.S. team of Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus and Serena Williams crushed Russia 4-1 in the finals held in Stanford, Calif. It was the 16th time in the 37-year history of the Fed Cup that the U.S. won. No nation has won it more.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King will again be the U.S. captain. Most likely King will select her team after the U.S. Open in September.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure you play in the early morning or in the evening when the sun has set. If you play when the sun is out, wear loose-fitting white or light-colored tennis clothes to help stay cool. It is also a good idea to change your shirt if you perspire and to rest in the shade between games.

Keeping hydrated is also very important. ATP Tour trainer Doug Spreen recommends that players drink more fluids the day before they play, not just the day of.

"When it comes to playing in a hot environment, you can't drink enough," Spreen said. "You have to drink at least an extra liter to a liter and a half the day before you play.

"Drinking while you're competing is also important. And almost as important is fluid replacement after matches. You should drink a lot after you play even if you don't feel thirsty. When you are no longer thirsty, that doesn't mean you are hydrated."

As for the sports drink vs. water debate, Spreen recommends drinking equal parts water and sports drink.

After battling injuries her junior year, the native of Warsaw, Poland, rebounded for a spectacular senior season. She set seven school records including most single season victories and highest career win percentage in singles and doubles. She also was 17-3 against ranked opponents. By getting to the round of 16s at the NCAA championships, Malec became the second All-America selection in UNLV's history.

As a team, the Rebels finished the season ranked 53rd.

Workouts will be held at: Desert Palm Tennis Club, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Cimarron-Memorial High School, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. starting June 13; Keller Middle School, Mondays and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; the YMCA on Meadows Lane, Mondays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.; the Las Vegas Academy, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m.; Winchester Park, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and White Middle School, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting June 12.

A number of kids will be chosen to participate in a future stars tryout July 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. The kids who make it through the tryout will receive free tennis lessons through fall.