Sharapova out with strained right shoulder (AP) Updated: 2005-12-26 08:58
GOLD COAST, Australia - Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Australian women's
hardcourt tennis tournament at Royal Pines on Saturday due to a strained right
shoulder.
 Russian tennis star
Maria Sharapova waves to photographers after signing her autograph on her
poster during a press conference to promote a Swiss brand sports watches
in Tokyo Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005. [AP] | "I am
very disappointed to have to withdraw because my right shoulder is not yet ready
to allow me to compete at the tour level," Sharapova said in a statement.
"I hope to be able to play (there) in 2007, and will be doing everything
possible in consultation with my doctors to be healthy enough to play the
Australian Open (in January)."
The 18-year-old Sharapova sustained the injury in the second half of this
season after she became the first Russian-born female to reach the No. 1
ranking. She reached at least the quarterfinals at all 15 events she played,
losing to the eventual champion at all four majors this year.
The Royal Pines event, which begins Jan. 2, will mark the return from
retirement of former world No. 1 Martina Hingis, who also plans to play in a
Sydney tournament the following week, and the Australian Open on a wild card
beginning Jan. 16.
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