Maria Sharapova to lead Russian challenge in Fed Cup 2011 against France

November 30 , 2010

MOSCOW - Russian Fed Cup Lawn-Tennis Federation skipper Shamil Tarpishchev announced on Tuesday names of tennis players who would be part of the Russia’s national team to play France in the opening round of next year's Fed Cup on February 5-6.

"Sharapova has agreed to play the first round," Shamil Tarpishchev, president of the Russian Tennis Federation and their Fed Cup captain, told reporters.

"She is now fully recovered from the problems with her shoulder and again could challenge for the number one spot."

The team will consist of Maria Sharapova the world number 18, will spearhead the Russian side along with Dinara Safina ranked 63 , Svetlana Kuznetsova 27th in the WTA rankings and Anastasia Pavluchenkova who finished the season in 21st place in the rankings, was also named in the line-up. Tarpishchev revealed that world number two Vera Zvonareva will not play against France due to her contractual obligations, but would be available to join the squad in the later rounds if needed.

Next year Vera Zvonareva, Maria Sharapova, Dinara Safina, and Svetlana Kuznetsova will compete for No. 1 position in WTA rating, given they would have no traumas.

Former world number one Sharapova has struggled to regain her best form after a nine-month lay-off following shoulder surgery at the end of 2008. The Florida-based Russian finished this year ranked 18 in the world.

Sharapova made her first and only other Fed Cup appearance for Russia in a 4-1 victory over Israel in February 2008.

Tarpishchev said 2009 French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, former world number one Dinara Safina, and up-and-coming Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will complete Russia's line-up for the tie against France in Moscow on Feb. 5-6.