Maria Sharapova not in Russian squad for Fed Cup finals

October 14, 2011

The world tennis No. 2, Maria Sharapova, won’t be playing for Russia in the upcoming Fed Cup finals against the Czech Republic.

Vera Zvonareva, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ekaterina Makarova have been selected to represent the country in the crucial matches.

According to the Russian team coach, Shamil Tarpischev, there could still be changes in the squad, but it is certain that Sharapova will not be in the final lineup.

“Sharapova is to miss finals against the Czech Republic,” Tarpischev told RIA-Novosti news agency. “Firstly, Maria has a ligament tear. Secondly, we'll be playing against Czechs on the court, which is sufficiently slow for Sharapova. Thirdly, we have an agreement with Maria that she will stand against the Spanish girls in the next edition of the tournament next February.”

Petra Kvitova, Lucie Safarova, Lucie Hradecka and Kveta Peschke will represent the Czech team in the final which will be held in the Russian capital on November 5 – 6.

Team Russia have won the Fed Cup four times, with the most recent success coming in 2008.

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