Maria Sharapova signed on to play in the WTT Pro League
Two of the world's most exciting players are returning to World TeamTennis action this summer. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have signed on to play in the WTT Pro League presented by Advanta which begins July 5.
Sharapova, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will play for the Newport Beach Breakers on Monday, July 16, when they host the Kansas City Explorers. Sharapova previously played three seasons for the Breakers from 2003-2005. She made her WTT debut as a 15-year-old in 2002 for the Delaware Smash. Former World No. 1 Serena Williams returns to World TeamTennis for the first time since her WTT debut in 2000. This summer Williams will play for the St. Louis Aces on Monday, July 23, when they host the New York Sportimes.The League also announced that the world's top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan have added another WTT match to their schedule. The Bryans, who play for the Kansas City Explorers, will make an appearance in Springfield on Sunday, July 15.

Sharapova and Williams join a star-studded list for 2007 WTT action including Venus Williams, Pete Sampras, Anna Kournikova, John McEnroe, and Mike and Bob Bryan. The regular season runs July 5 through July 25 with 77 matches in 11 markets.

"Making of Maria"

Sharapova to miss Fed Cup debut

World number two Maria Sharapova will not make her Fed Cup debut for Russia later this month because of shoulder and hamstring injuries. The 19-year-old had been set to represent Russia for the first time in the first-round tie against Spain on 21-22 April in Moscow. "I am especially bummed about the Fed Cup," Sharapova told her website. "I was looking forward to playing in Moscow and representing my country in a team environment for the first time." Sharapova, who has also been forced to withdraw from next week's Family Circle Cup in Charleston, moved to the USA aged nine and has never played for Russia. "I will be speaking with the Russian Federation soon about future matches," she said. Sharapova added: "My doctors are confident that, with five or six weeks of rest, I will be ready for the next events."