Sharapova ready for Fed Cup debut

US Open champion Maria Sharapova is ready to make her debut with the Russian team in the Fed Cup next year.

The Siberian-born 19-year-old, who has lived in the United States since the age of nine, made herself available for April's tie against Spain in Moscow.

"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 has always insisted that she wanted to play for the country of her birth but she has repeatedly opted out of Russia's matches in the Fed Cup.

Russia has four other players in the Top-10 in the Fed Cup team, including stalwarts Anastasia Myskina and Elena Dementieva, who are reported to not to enjoy the best of relations with Sharapova.

Source: Xinhua