Sharapova arrives in Israel for Fed Cup
After all the controversy about Sharapova not playing the Fed Cup until it clearly benefits her own agenda (playing for Russia in the Olympics), it looks like her particpation is actually going to happen. Russia seems like a sure winner over Israel.
This morning, Ram, Erlich and Sharapova will land in Israel. While the two Israelis will bear the full brunt of the Israeli media at a festive ceremony organized by the Israel Tennis Association, the Australian Open women’s singles champion will be whisked away through a side exit into a VIP taxi that will bring her to the Daniel Hotel in Herzliya, where Russia’s Fed Cup team is staying ahead of its World Group tie against Israel on Saturday and Sunday.
Shahar Peer, who is scheduled to face Sharapova in the Fed Cup on Sunday, was already in Israel yesterday.
“This will be the first time I play an official match in Israel, and it has been on my mind since Friday,” she said. “Sharapova is in excellent shape right now; I have never seen her play at this level before. I hope that the Israelis will drive her a little crazy, because this is the first time she is playing with her national team.
“We have nothing to lose, not in the first match and not in the second match. I hope to handle the pressure, because I am not used to playing in a full stadium at home. We are going in as the underdog and we will give it our all.” HAARETZ