WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.(AP) Bethanie Mattek will be replaced on the United States' Fed Cup team by Julie Ditty.
Captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced the move Tuesday ahead of the Feb. 7-8 matches against Argentina in Surprise, Ariz.
Mattek, at No. 40 the third-highest ranked American in the world, was forced out by a nagging hip injury that prevented her from playing in the Australian Open.
It's unfortunate that Bethanie won't be able to participate,'' Fernandez said in a statement.But we're very lucky to be able to call on such an experienced player in Julie, and we hope Bethanie is able to join the team for a future tie.''
The 30-year-old Ditty had one of her top seasons in 2008, getting direct entry into the main draw at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, and rising to No. 89 in the rankings in March.
She'll join Jill Craybas, Melanie Oudin and Liezel Huber on the U.S. team. Venus and Serena Williams were invited, but declined to participate, citing scheduling issues, the U.S. Tennis Association said.