Sharapova in Russia Fed Cup squad despite Olympic dispute

Posted January 27, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) - Maria Sharapova was named Wednesday in Russia's team for its Fed Cup match against the Netherlands despite a dispute with the national federation over her Olympic eligibility.

Sharapova requires one more Fed Cup appearance for Russia in order to be eligible to represent her country at the Olympics in August.

The head of the Russian Tennis Federation, Shamil Tarpishchev, suggested Sharapova was unwilling to play for Russia next week and told Russia's R-Sport agency that "if we lose and she doesn't play, that means she won't play at the Olympics."

Alongside Sharapova, Russia's team for the Feb. 6-7 match in Moscow includes Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ekaterina Makarova and Darya Kasatkina.

The Dutch will field Kiki Bertens, their only top-100 player, alongside Richel Hogenkamp, Cindy Burger and Arantxa Rus.

Maria Sharapova of Russia waves as she leaves Rod Laver Arena following her quarterfinal loss to Serena Williams of the United States at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila) The Associated Press

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