Mary Joe Fernandez steps down as U.S. Fed Cup captain after eight years

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) Mary Joe Fernandez is stepping down as U.S. Fed Cup captain after eight years in the post.

Fernandez and the U.S. Tennis Association issued a joint announcement Thursday.

The USTA said it hopes to replace Fernandez by the end of November with someone who will lead the Fed Cup team and also work on player development.

Fernandez helped the United States reach two finals in the annual competition, but did not win a title.

The next Fed Cup match for the U.S. will be against visiting Germany in February.