PRAGUE, Czech Republic – This weekend, Maria Sharapova and her Russian teammates will step into the lion’s den, attempting to prise the Fed Cup from the Czech Republic’s grasp.
While the competition may have lost some of its lustre in the increasingly crowded tennis calendar, there is no doubting its importance to Petr Pala’s all-conquering team. Since Petra Kvitova spearheaded the Czechs to a first title as an independent nation in 2011 – Czechoslovakia triumphed four times in the 1980s – they have dominated the event, winning three more times in the next four years.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova remains the side’s figurehead, but she has been ably backed by a revolving support cast. Underpinning their success has been a level of camaraderie conspicuous by its absence at many of tennis’ other flagship events.
Speaking at the recent BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, Kvitova – who will be joined in Prague by Lucie Safarova, Karolina Pliskova and Barbora Strycova – explained the importance of fostering this in-camp atmosphere.
“Sometimes I ask myself ‘why didn’t I play a team sport?’ because I really like it.” she said. “On the other side because we don’t have much team competition [in tennis] I enjoy it more.
“For me personally, when I’m playing and I see the bench supporting me, it helps bring a little bit more energy. We’re always able to bring our best in the moment.”
And they will need to be at their best at the capital’s O2 Arena if they are to see off a strong Russian side led by World No.4 Sharapova.
In Singapore, Sharapova – who missed virtually the entire second half of the season due to injury – produced a timely reminder of her ability to shine on the game’s grandest stages, winning all three of her round robin matches before being edged out by an on-song Kvitova in the semifinals.
Like their hosts, Russia has a strong recent record in the competition, its golden generation winning the cup in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. Sharapova, however, missed out on all four of these campaigns and is relishing the opportunity to add the trophy to her collection.
“I am looking forward to the final. It’s something I’ve never been a part of before, so I don’t really know what to expect,” she said.
Having played in Russia’s first round win over Poland, injury ruled Sharapova out from the semifinal with Germany. In her absence, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elena Vesnina won the decisive doubles rubber, both of whom will return, along with Ekaterina Makarova, for the final.
“I was really proud of how the team came through in Germany, because I knew they were the underdogs coming into that match,” Sharapova added. “I’m really glad that I have another chance to compete and be part of the team. I had a really terrific experience in Poland with everyone.
“Nastia [Myskina, the team captain] was a really great team leader and I’m excited to be a part of it again.”
