After eight years manning the ship, Marie Joe Fernandez has stepped down as Fed Cup coach. Her stint leading the American women included two Olympic Games (London and Rio). Her players, clearly very fond of the 45-year-old, shared their gratitude.

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This means Fernandez's last match as captain was the United States' 4-0 win over Australia in the World Group Playoffs in April. The captain role for 2017 is to be expanded, requiring more time from whoever fills Fernandez's shoes.

"Working with the players has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," Fernandez said in a statement released by the USTA. "…The planned changes to the role do not fit with my other work and family commitments at this time."

A new captain has yet to be named. Team USA is set to host Germany in the first round of World Group play on February 11-12.