Maria Sharapova to Join Russian Fed Cup Team as Practice Partner
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 6, 2007 | Print |
Maria Sharapova will be joining Russia’s Fed Cup squad for the first time, only it will not be in the role she was originally offered.
In an odd turn of events, Sharapova will be assisting the team contesting the 2007 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas final as a practice partner.
In a role that is often reserved for top juniors, the two-time Grand Slam champion will be traveling to Russia as a hitting partner.
Sharapova announced the new arrangements on her official website.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from our captain, asking me if I would like to play in the finals,” wrote Sharapova in a “Weekly Doodles” story.
“Unfortunately he called me the day I was visiting a doctor in Toronto, who said the best way to get rid of that 20% nagging shoulder pain that I have left is if I don’t put any impinging overhead pressure on it for the next 3 weeks.”
The injury ruled her out of the final, but still gave her a chance to become part of the team.
“The good news is that I can start hitting this week without any problems,” continued Sharapova, “bad news is that I can’t play the finals without a serve, overhead or a swinging volley. But the least I could do is fly over there and be their practice partner for the week and cheer them on from the stands.”
Improving her relationship with the country of her birth is an wise decision for the Russian-born, United States-based player - especially with 2008 Olympic berths on the line.
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