Russia to be without Sharapova

Moscow - Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Russia team to face Germany in the Fed Cup semi-final this weekend, the Russian tennis federation has said on Tuesday.

Following injury, the world number two Sharapova is not fit for the tie on clay in Sochi, the federation said.

Sharapova was quoted as saying she needed to be in top form to be able to help the team against strong opponents such as Germany.

"Unfortunately the time for regeneration was not sufficient," she said.

Russia won the Fed Cup four times between 2004 and 2008, and were finalists in 2011 and 2013.

Germany lifted the trophy 1987 and 1992, and were runners-up last year to the Czech Republic.