World number two Jennifer Capriati was kicked off from the US Fed Cup team late on Friday after she refused to cancel a private practice session with her father and coach, Stefano.
US captain Billie Jean King announced that her number one singles player would not be involved when the team began their first round tie against Austria on Saturday.
"The Fed Cup competition is comprised of team play, and our team's rules apply to all players to ensure a team concept," said King.
"We are disappointed that Jennifer did not agree to comply with our closed, team-only practice policy, and as a result was excused from the team."
Closed practices are not unusual in team competition, US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe enforces a similar policy to exclude private coaches.
Capriati, the winner of three Grand Slam titles, was scheduled to play Evelyn Fauth on Saturday. But, as a result of her removal from the team, the US will forfeit Saturday's second match in the best-of-five series. Monica Seles will face Barbara Schwartz in the first game.
In a statement released through her agent, Linda Dozoretz, Capriati denied the US charges and said the rules were unfair.
"I am extremely upset about being dismissed from the Federation Cup team," Capriati said.
"I was looking forward to representing my country in this prestigious international competition. I am so disappointed by the actions the USTA has taken regarding my status on the Fed Cup team.
"This morning I fulfilled all of my public relations and promotional obligations to the team, and I followed that by attending the team practice.
"On my own time, following this morning's practice session, I decided that I wanted additional practice in advance of tomorrow's match," said Capriati.
"Looking beyond this weekend's Fed Cup matches, I am also preparing for some very important tournaments, including the defence of my title at the French Open. Bureau Report