Sharapova available for Russia Fed Cup duty

October 04, 2006 11:35 IST

U.S. Open champion Maria Sharapova has made herself available for Russia's Fed Cup team for the first time, the 19-year-old said on her Web site on Tuesday.

Russia, champions in 2004 and 2005, play Spain in Moscow in April next year and the world number three said she expected to be involved.

"I'm really excited to make my first appearance in the Fed Cup for my country and it is great to be playing the tie in Moscow," she said.

"Hopefully, myself and the team will put up a strong showing against Spain, who have a good team."

Sharapova was born in Nyagan, Siberia, but moved to Florida as a nine-year-old to train at Nick Bollettieri's famed Academy.

Sharapova always claimed she intended to play for Russia, although doubts were raised earlier this year when she opted out of the country's tie against Belgium in March.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Source:

© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.