The first Fed Cup clash between host Poland and Russia is a homecoming for Agnieszka Radwanska and a return for Maria Sharapova.
Radwanska rides a 14-match Fed Cup singles winning streak into this weekend's World Group tie on hard court in Krakow. It is Radwanska's first tie on home soil since the 2010 World Group II Playoff when Spain pounded Poland, 4-1.
The eighth-ranked Radwanska has played some of her most assertive tennis in Fed Cup, winning 28 of the last 29 sets she's contested. Poland's all-time leader in wins (41-7) and singles wins (33-6) has not lost a Fed Cup match since nemesis Victoria Azarenka beat her 7-5, 7-5, in the 2011 Europe/Africa Playoff.
That winning streak will be put to the test this weekend.
Sharapova has overpowered the lighter-hitting Pole, winning 11 of 13 meetings, including their last four matches. Both of Radwanska's wins have come on hard court in important matches. She upset the then reigning U.S. Open champion in the third round of the 2007 U.S. Open and beat Sharapova in the 2012 Miami final.
Following her run to the Australian Open final, Sharapova made the multiple flight trip to Poland. The world No. 2 is poised for her first Fed Cup appearance in three years — and ensure eligibility for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Sharapova took time out from practice preparation to take in the sights around Krakow.