Maria Sharapova will not play in April’s Fed Cup semifinals, TENNIS.com has learned.
After winning two points against Poland last weekend, the Russian discussed playing against Germany in a home tie and decided not to do so. The world No. 2 is scheduled to play in the tournament in Stuttgart the following week. Sharapova is a three-time champion there, with the tournament played on clay.
Russia has yet to decide whether to use hard or clay courts for the semifinal tie.
In order to eligible to play in the 2016 Olympics, Sharapova must play two more Fed Cup ties. If Russia beats Germany and reaches the final, Sharapova may play in the final, which takes place in November. If she decides not to play in the final, then Sharapova will have to play two Fed Cup ties in 2016.
According to Russian media reports, Sharapova spoke with head coach Shamil Tarpischev and told the team she will not play. Tarpishev was not with the Fed Cup team in Poland. Anastasia Myskina was the captain for the tie and will be in the same capacity for the semifinal tie against Germany.