Venus Williams withdraws from US team for Fed Cup playoff

US tennis star Venus Williams has pulled out of this weekend's Fed Cup playoff against Italy due to personal reasons.

The 34-year-old was due to join sister Serena Williams, Alison Riske and Christina McHale in the United States team, but captain Mary Joe Fernandez has confirmed that the seven-time Grand Slam champion will play no part.

Fernandez told The AP that Williams withdrew because "something came up", and not because she is suffering with an injury of any kind.

The sportswoman will be replaced by Lauren Davis, who is ranked 57th in the world.