Henin-Hardenne to play in Fed Cup final

French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium will play in the final of the Fed Cup against Italy, her coach said at a news conference on Thursday.

Carlos Rodriguez, despite his threat of boycotting the squad, said that the world number three would be available for the match on home soil on Sept. 16-17.

Rodriguez had previously said Henin-Hardnne was unlikely to take part because of what he described as the shocking treatment she received following her withdrawal from last weekend's semi-final win against the United States.

He insisted that Henin-Hardenne had informed team captain Carl Maes that she was too worn out to play after her Wimbledon final loss to Amelie Mauresmo, a week before the semi-final.

However, Maes kept this secret for several days, making it look like she had pulled out at the last minute.

Source: Xinhua