Former World Number 1 Maria Sharapova may play for Russia in the Fed Cup tie
According to Shamil Tarpischev, who is the president of the Russian Tennis Federation, the Russian team for next season’s Fed Cup has a considerable boost to look forward to in the new year. Tarpischev, who in addition to presidency is also the Fed Cup captain,
issued a statement at a news conference saying, “Sharapova has agreed to play the first round. She has fully recovered from the problems with her shoulder and again could challenge the Number 1 Spot.”
Tarpischev seemed very confident of Sharapova’s participation in the first-round tie, adding that the Russian tennis pro has agreed to take part in the Fed Cup for the first time since her debut in 2008. That year, Sharapova was a part of Russia’s 4-1 first-round
victory over the team of Israel.
Sharapova would indeed be a formidable addition to the tournament. The 23 year old is a former World Number 1, and is currently ranked Number 18 due to injuries. During the course of her career, she has amassed many titles. Her achievements include 3 Grand
Slam singles titles (won at 2004 Wimbledon, 2006 US Open and 2008 Australian Open), 22 WTA singles titles and 3 WTA doubles titles. In addition to this, she was one of the finalists at the 2007 Australian Open.
Maria Sharapova won the end of year Sony Ericsson Championships in 2004, and the WTA has ranked her as World Number 1 on the singles chart on four different occasions. She ascended to the spot in 2005 for the first time, becoming World Number 1 on 22 August.
The last time she regained this crown was on 19 May 2008.
While her participation would give the Russians a definite edge, a source from her media team has informed TENNIS.com that at best, Sharapova is only “very likely” to play. If the blonde tennis pro wants to participate in the 2012 Olympics, she will have
to make herself available to participate in the Fed Cup at least once in the next year. Her last participation was after winning the 2008 Australian Open.
Other players who are expected to be part of the team are Svetlana Kuznetsova who has won two Grand Slams over the course of her career, former World Number 1 Dinara Safina and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will also be part of the team. The first round tie will
take place on the 5th and 6th of February, at the hard courts of the Olympic indoor stadium.
Meanwhile, World Number 2 Vera Zvonareva (2010 US Open finalist) will be forced to miss the tie due to her contract. The player has legal obligations to participate at a Women’s Tennis Association tour event, but if Russia makes it to the semi finals she
will definitely be a part of the team. Tarpischev declares, “Vera will help the team no matter where we play—in Australia or at home against Austria.”
Russia has won the Fed Cup four times, and has emerged from France as the victor five times out of eight.
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