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MOSCOW, Sept 14: Maria Sharapova joined her countrywomen for the first time but merely as a hitting partner as Russia prepare to wrest their Fed Cup title back from holders Italy starting here on Saturday.There had been speculation as to whether the former world number one would play after captain Shamil Tarpischev’s decision to include her in the squad.
But world number three Sharapova has been advised by doctors to rest for three weeks following a shoulder injury. The US-based Sharapova said: “This is a chance to be in a team atmosphere. It’s unfortunate about my injury so I am here as a sparring partner and to support the team.”—AP
