Molik named Australia's Fed Cup captain

MELBOURNE (AFP) –

Australia’s Alicia Molik is pictured at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 20, 2011. Molik has been named as Australia’s new Fed Cup captain, Tennis Australia said on Friday.

Former Grand Slam doubles champion Alicia Molik has been named as Australia’s new Fed Cup captain, Tennis Australia said on Friday.

The former world number eight will replace Dave Taylor at the helm of the Australia’s national women’s team.

Taylor has chosen to focus on his coaching of 2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur, ending seven years in charge after lifting the Australians into the elite World Group last season.

“Alicia has a wealth of experience at the top level and in Fed Cup and will be a great leader for this team,” Tennis Australia’s Todd Woodbridge said, announcing the appointment.

Australia are away to defending champions Czech Republic in the opening round of this year’s competition in Ostrava from February 9-10.