Sharapova to play for Russia's Fed Cup team against Spain next year

Sharapova to play for Russia's Fed Cup team against Spain next year

Maria Sharapova will play for Russia against Spain in the first round of next year's Fed Cup.

The U.S. Open champion said on her Web site that she would be available for the matchup in Moscow on April 21-22. Sharapova, who also won the 2004 Wimbledon title, has never played for Russia in the international competition.

"I'm really excited to make my first appearance in Fed Cup for my country and it is great to be playing the tie in Moscow," Sharapova said in a statement posted Tuesday on her Web site. "Hopefully, myself and the team will put up a strong showing against Spain, who have a good team,"reports AP. 

Russia, which won the Fed Cup in 2004 and '05, lost to eventual finalist Belgium in this year's quarterfinals.