Venus Williams set to miss US Fed Cup semi-final

LONDON, June 25 (Reuters) Wimbledon champion Venus Williams is almost certain to miss the United States's Fed Cup semi-final against Belgium next month.

The US team faces a Belgian squad that could feature US Open champion Kim Clijsters and French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne in Ostend on July 15-16.

Speaking at a pre-Wimbledon news conference, the older Williams sister said: ''I don't think I will play. I can't play that much tennis and stay healthy, that's a proven fact.'' Venus has struggled with injury for much of the year and returned to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open earlier this month.

Her absence will further weaken the U.S. team with sister Serena and fellow former world number one Lindsay Davenport already out injured.

The winners of the semi-final play either Spain or Italy.

Reuters PDS BD1728