Israel look to realise Fed Cup dream

Israeli number one Shahar Peer and her teammates were looking forward to fulfilling a life-long dream when they face Fed Cup holders Russia in a World Group first round tie at the weekend.
 
"I have played in a lot of exciting matches in bigger stadiums but never at home, I'm really looking forward to experiencing the occasion," Peer told reporters on Thursday after she was drawn to face Dinara Safina in Saturday's opening rubber.
 
Tzipora Obziler, 34, will follow Peer on court to take on Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova, who will be making her debut in the team competition.
 
The Russians were confident of victory even though their practice sessions have been curtailed in the outdoor Tennis Centre by the stormy weather.
 
"I don't think that it will affect our chances, after all, both teams have been prevented from practising," Safina said.
 
While Israeli media chased the statuesque Sharapova around an up-market shopping centre on Wednesday, her colleagues trained on a makeshift indoor court nearby.
 
The home team travelled as far as Ashkelon, some 60 km to the south, to try to find a dry outdoor court to prepare for what is one of the most high-profile tennis encounters in Israel.
 
Russian captain Shamil Tarpishchev said he opted for 16th-ranked Safina as the second singles player -- instead of world number seven Anna Chakvetadze -- because her style was more suited to the cold outdoor conditions.
 
The Jewish state is riding on a wave of tennis euphoria after Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich captured the men's doubles title at the Australian Open, while Peer was runner-up in the women's doubles with Belarus' Victoria Azarenka.
 
"I have played in bigger stadiums and in front of more people, but I know that on Saturday the 5 000 spectators watching will all be on my side," Obziler said.