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Kuznetsova denies of any rift with Sharapova
"As long as everybody fights to defend our flag, I don't mind who plays," Kuznetsova said, insisting there was no ill-feeling towards Sharapova.
Svetlana Kuznetsova has played down suggestions of a rift with Maria Sharapova ahead of the Russian rivals' Australian Open quarter-final showdown in Melbourne on Tuesday.
US Open champion Kuznetsova appeared to question US-based Sharapova's allegiance to her homeland ahead of last October's Kremlin Cup when she was asked which of the new Russian players was most popular internationally.
"Sharapova of course -- but I don't know if you would call her Russian though," Kuznetsova replied.
The comment came as French Open winner Anastasia Myskina threatened to boycott Russia's Fed Cup team if teenage Wimbledon champion Sharapova was picked for the squad this season.
Kuznetsova, who has battled through a doping controversy to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park, moved to dampen any hint of animosity with Sharapova going into their quarter-final.
The 19-year-old fifth seed said she would welcome Sharapova's presence in the Russian Fed Cup team.
"As long as everybody fights to defend our flag, I don't mind who plays," Kuznetsova said, insisting there was no ill-feeling towards Sharapova.
"I think she's all right. I think she's talking to everybody. She's a bit different, you know, like each of us, you know, we are all different.
