![](https://s.ndtvimg.com/images/content/2015/nov/806/maria-sharapova-1511.jpg?downsize=764:573&output-quality=80&output-format=jpg)
Maria Sharapova celebrates after beating Petra Kvitova during the 2015 Fed Cup final (Source: NDTV)
Maria Sharapova has found herself in a tricky situation after the President of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) reacted to the comments she made following her loss to Serena Williams.
The world No.5 was speaking to the media about her plans over the next couple months after exiting the Australian Open. One of the tournaments coming up is Russia’s Fed Cup tie against the Netherlands on February 6th. Speaking about her schedule, Sharapova was doubtful about playing in the tie due to ongoing issues with her forearm.
“I’m going to go and take care of my forearm first. I think that’s really important”. Sharapova said.
“ I’m going to go to Moscow, be part of the (Fed Cup) team. I don’t think I’ll be playing”. She added.
The comments made by Sharapova were swiftly addressed by Shamil Tarpishchev, president of the RTF. In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, Tarpishchev was critical of Sharapova’s comments and stated that she must participate in the Fed Cup in order to play in the Olympics.
“If Sharapova wants to play at the Olympics, she will have to play for the national team,” He said.
“There are regulations set by the International Tennis Federation [ITF].”
The 27-year-old has only played eight matches in the Fed Cup throughout her career. Last year, Sharapova won both of her matches during Russia’s 3-2 win over the Czech Republic in the final. If she does skip her country’s upcoming matches, Tarpishchev has warned that she will have to deal with the ITF concerning the Olympic Games.
“If Maria does not want to play for the national team, but still wants to travel to the Olympics, she will have to lock horns with the ITF,” Tarpishchev said.
At the 2012 Olympic Games Sharapova won a silver medal, losing to Williams in the final. The 27-year-old recently recounted her experience at the 2012 Olympics.
“The experience of being an Olympian is so fulfilling. So overwhelmed just by the experience of being around other athletes and just really respected”. Sharapova recalled.
“Getting a chance to go into the Olympic Village before the opening ceremonies and spending a few hours there and seeing all the different athletes,”
In Sharapova’s quest for Olympic gold in Rio, her biggest opponent could now be the ITF and the RTF.