Kremlin Cup Debut

World number two Maria Sharapova will make her long-awaited Kremlin Cup debut this year.

"We have received a firm commitment from her to attend and will be happy to see Maria in Moscow," Alexander Kaznelson (the tournament director) told Reuters. Maria has never played in her native country since turning professional four years ago. Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, France's world number three Amelie Mauresmo and several other top Russian players are also scheduled to compete in the WTA Tier I event. The $1.3 million tournament will be held from October 10 to 16 in Moscow's Olympic Stadium.