Kathy Rinaldi New U.S. Fed Cup Captain, Succeeding Fernandez

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) Former top-10 player Kathy Rinaldi is the U.S. Fed Cup team’s new captain.

The U.S. Tennis Association announced Thursday that Rinaldi is succeeding Mary Joe Fernandez, who stepped down in October after eight years in the job.

Rinaldi will have extra duties, working more closely with the American players during the WTA season and offseason. She will also work with the USTA’s player development program.

Her debut as head of the U.S. Fed Cup team will come against visiting Germany in February.

Fernandez helped the United States reach two finals in the annual competition, but did not win a title. The U.S. last won the Fed Cup in 2000.