Maria Sharapova leads Russia in its Fed Cup World Group opener against Poland this weekend looking to take a step closer to the 2016 Olympics.

It will be the first meeting between the two countries and a rare Fed Cup appearance by 2012 Olympic silver medalist Sharapova, who must compete in the women's team event if she wants to bid for gold in Rio next year.

The Russian star, runner-up to Serena Williams at the Australian Open last week, has played just three ties for Russia since her 2008 debut and has a 3-1 singles record.