Sharapova to be Russia practice partner

Maria Sharapova is to join the Russia squad as a practice partner for this week's Fed Cup final against Italy in Moscow, the 20-year-old said. Sharapova, who has yet to play for Russia in the competition, will join Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anna...

Maria Sharapova is to join the Russia squad as a practice partner for this week's Fed Cup final against Italy in Moscow, the 20-year-old said.

Sharapova, who has yet to play for Russia in the competition, will join Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anna Chakvetadze, Nadia Petrova and Elina Vesina for the final, to be played next weekend.

Russia, who are looking to win the Fed Cup for the third time in four years, will be favourites to beat an Italy team to be led by world number 25 Francesca Schiavone.

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