Venus Williams to miss Fed Cup playoff

The United States will be without Venus Williams when they take on Italy in their Fed Cup playoff this weekend.

Venus Williams has withdrawn from the US team for this weekend's Fed Cup playoff in Italy. (AAP)

Venus Williams has withdrawn from the United States team for this weekend's Fed Cup playoff in Italy because of a personal matter.

The United States Tennis Association says Williams will be replaced by 57th-ranked Lauren Davis.

The American team is led by top-ranked Serena Williams and also includes No.45 Alison Riske and No.65 Christina McHale.

The Italian team includes No.15 Sara Errani, No.26 Flavia Pennetta, No.36 Camila Giorgi and No.55 Karin Knapp.

The Italians are without Roberta Vinci, who has an inflamed right elbow.

The best-of-five series will be played outdoors on red clay at the Circolo Tennis Brindisi.