MOSCOW (AP) — Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from the Fed Cup final because of a shoulder injury, dealing a blow to Russia’s hopes of winning a fifth title.
Zvonareva will be replaced by doubles specialist Elena Vesnina on the team for this weekend’s tie against Czech Republic.
In Zvonareva’s absence, two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova will lead Russia. Also on the team are Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Maria Kirilenko.
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova leads the Czech team of Lucie Safarova, Lucie Hradecka and Kveta Peschke.
