Russia's Sharapova pumped for Fed Cup debut

Fresh from her Australian Open triumph, Maria Sharapova has arrived in Israel for her long-awaited debut for Russia's Fed Cup team.

Sharapova will lead a powerful team from the defending champions, including Anna Chakvetadze, Dinara Safina and Elena Vesnina.

The Israeli team for the weekend's best-of-five series consists of Shahar Peer, Tzipi Obziler, Keren Shlomo and Julia Glushko.

“This is a great opportunity for me because tennis is such an individual sport and although you play for your country on a daily basis now you're part of the team,” Sharapova said.