Sharapova set for long-awaited Fed Cup debut

By Ori Lewis

HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - 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 U.S. citing injury but turned up to cheer on the Russians in the final against Italy.

"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 Belarus' Victoria Azarenka.