Sharapova set for long-awaited Federation Cup debut

Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova will make her long-awaited Fed Cup debut for champions Russia when they face World Group newcomers Israel in the first-round tie this weekend.

Fresh from her victory at Melbourne Park, the Florida-based Russian was keen to forget her strained relationship with some of her team-mates and finally step on court to represent the country of her birth.

"Ever since I saw the girls win the Cup last year I was so excited to be asked to be a part of the team and it is a great opportunity," said the world number five, who pulled out of last year's semi-final against the US citing injury.

"Since the beginning of the year this was one of my top priorities."

Sharapova will be joined by world number seven Anna Chakvetadze, Dinara Safina (16) and Elena Vesnina (53) as the Russians launch their bid to capture a fourth Fed Cup title in five years.

Shahar Peer will spearhead Israel's hopes of pulling off an upset victory but she was more excited at the prospect of making a rare appearance in front of her home fans.

"According to the rankings we are not supposed to win but we are playing in Israel and in front of our home crowd for the first time... I think it will help our chances," said the world number 17.

The Jewish state is riding on a wave of tennis euphoria after Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich captured the men's doubles title at the Australian Open, while Peer was runner-up in the women's doubles with Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus.

The tie in Israel is one of four taking place this weekend, with the US hosting Germany in California, France travelling to Beijing to face China and Italy are at home in Naples to Spain.

Last year's runners-up Italy are without Mara Santangelo and Roberta Vinci because of injury but have seasoned Fed Cup players Flavia Pennetta, Tathiana Garbin and Francesca Schiavone, who was inspirational in the tournament in 2007.

The 2006 winners have also included Sara Errani for the first time and will be keen to extend their 3-2 head-to-head record against Spain.

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport will lead the US against Germany. The former Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion will team up with Lisa Raymond, Ashley Harkleroad and Laura Granville in La Jolla, California.

Davenport, 31, will be keen to reproduce the form that has helped her win 19 of 21 matches since her comeback to the tour last September after taking a year out to have a baby.