For most of the tour, this part of the season is the start of a well-earned vacation. A trip to an exotic beach or perhaps just an extended stay at home with family and without the rigmarole of airport security and hopping between hotels.
That, however, is not the case for Maria Sharapova and seven of her WTA colleagues, who will make the journey to Prague to compete in the Fed Cup final between Russia and defending champion Czech Republic.
The Fed Cup outing marks the first time Sharapova will play an international team competition final. And the timing couldn't be better.
"I'm just looking forward to the experience; it's something new for me," Sharapova told the press in Singapore.
Although the Czechs have been a Fed Cup powerhouse, winning three out of the past four competitions, Sharapova and team are steadfast in their mission.
Yes, there has been public tension between Sharapova and her peers, but she relishes team play. According to the WTA, Sharapova has never been part of a losing Fed Cup team. She is 5-1 in Davis Cup play, although she has played in only first-round ties.
