Russia will recall Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova for the Fed Cup final against Spain in September, the Russia captain said on Sunday.

"I had a prior agreement with Sharapova for her to play in the final," Shamil Tarpishchev told Reuters after his team beat the United States in their semi-final in Moscow to book a place in the final for the fourth time in five years.

"Of course, it all could change by September with injuries or lost form but at least for now, she is in the team."

Sharapova made her Fed Cup debut against Israel in February and won both of her singles matches to lead Russia to a 4-1 quarter-final victory.

She was given permission to skip the semi-final, with world number four Svetlana Kuznetsova leading the home team against the Americans.

Tarpishchev said the Russians would bring their strongest team to Spain, who overcame China 4-1 in the other semi-final.

"We should have both Sharapova and Kuznetsova in the line-up. I might even have them play doubles together," he said.

"I must say I was a bit surprised to see Spain beat China in Beijing, but as far as our team is concerned it doesn't really matter who we play in the final. We're still the favourites."


Betfair - Bet on all of today's live sport and get a free £25 bet when you open an account and quote BFB425