Maria Sharapova to play for Russia in 2006

At a Moscow press-conference on Monday, Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev expressed hopes that Maria Sharapova, one of the world's leading tennis-players and the Winbledon-2004 winner, will perform next year with a Russian national team at the Federation Cup competitions.

"The mass media are busy speculating about when Maria will apply for American citizenship. I think that if she had wanted this she would have already taken relevant steps - it is too late now," said Tarpishchev. In his opinion, Sharapova's constant pronouncements about her Russian roots speak of her intention to continue playing under the Russian colors. Asked by newsmen about the feasibility of Sharapova's emerging Wimbledon winner for the second time after last year's success, Tarpischev said that Maria Sharapova had all chances to capture the title in case of a favorable seeding - one could even give a percentage-precise forecast then. He mentioned her other problem connected with her swift rise. "She is not quite fit for ground courts and is likely to show a better performance in Wimbledon," concluded Tarpishchev.