Lisicki to make Fed Cup return

Berlin - Sabine Lisicki, the world number 27, will make her return to the German team for the Fed Cup final against the Czech Republic, German captain Barbara Rittner announced Wednesday.

Lisicki, last year's beaten Wimbledon finalist, replaces Anna-Lena Groenefeld, who accompanied Julia Goerges in the doubles in both of the last two rounds.

"It was a difficult decision to take but Sabine has had some good results in Asia and America. She's a good alternative," said Rittner, who was a player in 1992 alongside Steffi Graf the last time Germany won the Fed Cup.

Lisiciki won the fourth WTA Tour title of her career last month in Hong Kong, beating Czech Karolina Pliskova in the final.

World number 10 Angelique Kerber and number 17 Andrea Petkovic are expected to continue in their roles as singles players.

The Czechs, who won this event in 2011 and 2012, will line up with Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, the world number four, Lucie Safarova (16) and doubles specialists Pliskova and Lucie Hradecka.

The final takes place at the O2 Arena in Prague on November 8-9.