Sports
Tennis stars prepare for Fed Cup
Published 05 February, 2009, 11:52
Russia’s tennis team have begun training ahead of their opening Fed Cup defence against China. The Russians, who are aiming for an incredible 5th world crown in six years, will go into the home tie as heavy favourites.
Such is Russia's strength in depth, Shamil Tarpishchev was able to name his squad for the first round tie with China before the new year, and it features some very in-form players.
As always, the leaders are Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova. Dementieva has lost just once in 2009, while Kuznetsova was one of three Russian's to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Anna Chakvetadze, Elena Vesnina and Alisa Kleybanova, who memorably beat Ana Ivanovic in Melbourne, will be vying for the last two spots in the team.
Russia and China have met just once, with Russia running out 5-0 winners in 2002.
However, the Chinese, who only arrive in Moscow on Wednesday, reached last year's semi-finals, and Dementieva believes they could pose a threat to the Russians.
