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.