After 8 years, Mary Joe Fernandez is stepping down as U. S. Fed Cup Captain. In a statement, the USTA said:

In a joint announcement, the USTA and Mary Joe Fernandez, one of the longest-serving Fed Cup Captains in U. S. tennis history, today announced that after eight years of leadership, Fernandez will step down from her role as U. S. Fed Cup Captain. With this change in leadership, the role of Fed Cup captain will now include working very closely with USTA Player Development. The search for a new captain will begin immediately with the goal that a new captain will be named by the end of November.

Fernandez said, “Working with the players has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I have been proud to represent the USA in this role. My only regret is we did not bring home the cup during my tenure as Captain. While the changes planned for the captain role are not a fit with my other work and family demands at this time, I plan to do my part to ensure a smooth transition to a new captain once selected, and continue to contribute where I can to the success of the USA Fed Cup Team.”