Sydney, July 01: Jelena Dokic's chances of representing Australia at next year's Athens Olympics officially ended here today with the naming of Australia's Fed Cup team to play Colombia this month. Under international tennis federation regulations, Dokic would have had to play for Australia this year to be eligible for the Olympics. The Fed Cup tie against Colombia in Wollongong, south of here, on July 19-20 is Australia's last tie of the year. Dokic had expressed an interest in returning to Australia ahead of the Olympics, after severing relations with her controversial father Damir, who moved the family back to its native Serbia after complaining about Jelena's treatment by tennis officials and media in Australia. Australia named the same squad that lost to Spain in the world group opening tie: Alicia Molik, Nicole Pratt, Samantha Stosur and doubles specialist Rennae Stubbs.

The highest-ranked player not included in the squad was Evie Dominikovic, who at world ranking of 118 was 29 places ahead of Stosur.

Australia must beat Colombia to remain in the world group, with a loss demoting them to the Asia/Oceania zone for 2004. "For us to remain in the world group for next year's tie, victory against Colombia is crucial and I believe this line-up has what it takes to achieve success", captain Evonne Goolagong-Cawley said.

"This team has great depth and each player brings different strengths and assets to our side".

Colombia has yet to finalise their team for the tie on hardcourt, but it is likely to be the same as that beaten 5-0 by France in the first round.

Bureau Report