We've reached the semi-finals of the most respected national group event in ladies's tennis and the tennis betting odds are beginning to take shape with the announcement of Sharapova's departure. The 2015 Fed Cup World Group resumes this Saturday with four teams staying; No. 1 Czech Republic host unseeded France on the hard courts of Ostrava, and on the other side No. 4 Russia welcomes No. 2 Germany to Sochi's clay courts. Both of Saturday's venues are indoors.
With Maria Sharapova no longer participating due to a leg injury, Russia have drifted slightly against the Czech Republic who are 3/2 atop the 2015 Fed Cup World Group futures market. Russia will host Germany (3/1) in Saturday's semifinal round at Adler Arena in Sochi, and the Czech group welcomes France (5/1) to Ostrava's CEZ Arena.
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Despite carrying the higher seed into Saturday's semi-finals, the Russian team had found itself tied with the Czechs atop the Fed Cup futures market at 3/2. Germany is 3/1, and on the other hand France, who upset No. 3 Italy in the preliminary back in February, brings up the back at 5/1. Russia's Fed Cup opportunities initially solidified when World's No. 2 Maria Sharapova confirmed recently that she ‘d get involved– Sharapova won both of her singles matches in straight sets as Russia swept Poland in the very first round. However the latest news comes as a blow for Russia's chances as injury got the better of her. Explaining her decision Sharapova said.
“My team and I specially changed my timetable so that I could represent my country in the semi-final,”
“However, unfortunately I picked up a leg injury and it did not allow me to be in the best condition to get ready for this tie.”
The Grand Slam winner added: “I need to be at the top of my game in order to help my team and play to the best of my ability in the Fed Cup semi-finals against such strong opponents.
“Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to prepare.”
Germany's foursome features Angelique Kerber and Andrea Petkovic, both ranked in the Top 15 on the WTA Tour. Kerber is coming off a success at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, where she beat Petokic in the semifinals before dusting off Madison Keys in the final. It was Kerber's very first title win on clay.
