Russian Fed Cup team hit by injuries
Published: 12 September, 2008, 12:40
Russia’s women squad has been hit with an injury crisis ahead of this weekend's Federation Cup final against Spain.
Shamil Tarpischev's charges will now have to try and defend their crown without three top10 players.
Elena Dementieva and the woman she defeated in the Olympic final in Beijing, Dinara Safina, are both out with injuries. World number 5 Maria Sharapova has not recovered yet from a recurring shoulder knock which caused her to miss both the Beijing Games and the US Open.
Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonaryova are the only two fit players available from the top 10. Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Makarova will also be making their way to the Club de Campo in Madrid for the September 13-14 matches on outdoor clay.
Russia are coming into the final as defending champions, while Spain won their most recent Fed Cup title back in 1998.
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