`Stressed` Angelique Kerber out of Germany's Fed Cup tie against United States

Berlin: World number one Angelique Kerber will not play for Germany in the Fed Cup first round clash against the United States in Hawaii in February, blaming the marathon journey for her decision.

"It`s with a heavy heart that I announce this," Kerber told the SID sports news agency from Melbourne where she starts the defence of her Australian Open title this week.

"The stress of the journey would be too much, it`s too far."

The Fed Cup match in Hawaii takes place on February 11 and 12 but Kerber is already signed up for the Doha WTA tournament which starts on February 13.

"I have thought about this for a few days and it simply would not work. There won`t be the time."

Kerber admitted that the choice of venue by the United States was probably made with home advantage in mind.

"Yes, you could say that," added the German star.