Moscow: Russia have been dealt a huge blow ahead of this weekend's Fed Cup final against the Czech Republic after their number one player Vera Zvonareva was ruled out because of a shoulder injury.
World number seven Zvonareva said she has had inflammation in her right shoulder since last month's Kremlin Cup.
"She can't serve properly, therefore she has little chance against any of the Czech girls," Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev told Reuters during Friday's draw at the Olympic indoor arena.
"I don't think we can be considered the favourites now," Tarpishchev said after being asked to assess his team's chances of winning their fifth Fed Cup title since 2004.
Zvonareva's place was taken by 27th-ranked Maria Kirilenko, who will face in-form Petra Kvitova in the opening rubber, while Svetlana Kuznetsova will take on Czech number two Lucie Safarova in the second singles on Saturday.
Zvonareva will be replaced by doubles specialist Elena Vesnina in the team for the doubles rubber.
The two reverse singles will be played on Sunday followed by the doubles rubber.
Zvonareva's pull-out did not surprise the Czechs.
"We knew she was not 100 percent fit so we weren't too surprised," said Czech captain Petr Pala. "But in any case, the Russian team is very strong and they have a lot of good players so it doesn't make our job any easier."
The Czechs might have one more advantage - both Kvitova and Safarova are left-handers.
"I think it's always an advantage in tennis and that's the main reason why they (Kvitova and Safarova) are here," Pala said. "And hopefully it's going to work again."
Kvitova won all four of her singles matches this year as the Czechs beat Slovakia and Belgium on the way to the final.
But Tarpischev called up a couple of Russian lefties to practice with the team.
"We were considered to be the favorites for this tie by mid-season, but now chances of both teams are even," Tarpischev said. "Now we feel no pressure and it makes our task easier."
The Czechs, bidding for their first Fed Cup title since splitting from Slovakia in 1993, are led by Wimbledon champion Kvitova.
"I think it's still an open tie with a 50-50 chance for either team," said the tall left-hander, who has won two titles including last week's WTA Championships, in less than a month.
"It's the end of the season so everyone feels a bit tired by now. I'm a team leader and that puts extra pressure on me but I'm confident that I'll be able to play my best tennis here."
"But still we have a great team and hopefully we will get three points. We will do our best this weekend."
Four-time champions Russia are back on home turf for the final of the competition for the first time since routing Italy 4-0 here in 2007 for their third crown. Russia are unbeaten at home in 10 ties since losing to eventual champions France in the semi-finals in 2003.
"But obviously we came (here) not like underdogs, we came to win and we are going to do everything to achieve it," Pala said.
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