Sharapova to miss Russia's Fed Cup opener
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-06 09:50

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova will miss Russia's Fed Cup opener with Italy in Brindisi on April 23-24, national tennis federation boss Shamil Tarpishchev said.

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova (pictured) will miss Russia's Fed Cup opener with Italy in Brindisi on April 23-24, national tennis federation boss Shamil Tarpishchev said.[AFP]

The 17-year-old Sharapova, currently third in the WTA rankings, was forced to withdraw from the Italy tie because of a tight tournament schedule.

"Maria has a good chance of becoming the world's top player in the near future," Tarpishchev said. "I can understand her decision as Davis Cup or Fed Cup matches are serious additional physical and menthal pressure for any player."

Tarpishchev confirmed that Anastasia Myskina, Elena Dementieva and Elena Bovia are scheduled to play against Italy, with Dinara Safina, Maria Kirilenko and Anna Chakvetadze also among the candidates for the Russian squad.

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