Patriot games

Mary Joe Fernandez found herself bathed in sunlight and 70-degree temperatures as she hit practice shots Thursday afternoon at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex.

The Ohio resident was in town to assess the tennis facility and promote next month's Fed Cup matches between the United States and Argentina.

"You can't beat the weather," said Fernandez, who traded volleys with Ann Meyers Drysdale, the general manager of the Phoenix Mercury, and John Austin, manager of the tennis complex. "It will be great to play outside in great weather."

The Fed Cup is the female equivalent of the Davis Cup in men's tennis. Instead of individual honors, players represent their countries in a two-day format that features four singles matches and one doubles match.

Fernandez will make her debut as non-playing captain in the USA-Argentina matches, scheduled Feb. 7-8 in Surprise.

"Playing Fed Cup was one of the highlights of my career," said Fernandez, who won seven pro titles and reached the world's No. 4 ranking in her playing career. "It's a proud moment to represent your country and be part of a team.

"The wins mean more and the losses are harder."

Fernandez said she is still finalizing the U.S. roster, which must be completed 10 days before the event.

Top-ranked and new U.S. citizen Lizel Huber and veteran Lisa Raymond are expected to play doubles. Fernandez said she still holds out hope of landing Venus and Serena Williams for singles.

"I spoke to Venus and she said it's not in her plans," Fernandez said. "I haven't heard from Serena in a while.

"I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and give both of them one more shot when I see them (at the Australian Open)."

Fernandez said the Fed Cup format gives tennis fans a unique opportunity for boisterous behavior and a chance to show their patriotic fervor in support of the home team.

"I remember playing a Fed Cup match in Spain and the players couldn't hear themselves talk because of the crowd noise.

"I encourage fans to bring their banners and be loud."

Austin said the Fed Cup represents the biggest event to date at the facility, which opened in 2007 and played host to a Outback Champions Series event for seniors in the fall.

"It's a step above everything we've done," Austin said. "It's an international event, you get to play for your country, and then there's the enthusiasm from the crowd. It's special."

As captain, Fernandez finds herself following in the footsteps of illustrious predecessors such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.

"Billie Jean always told me I would make a great captain someday," Fernandez said. "Even as a player, I was interested in the strategy and the dynamics of being a coach.

"I'm nervous and excited about this opportunity."