Sharapova pulls out of the Italian Open
Rome -- Reigning U.S. Open women's champion Maria Sharapova Wednesday withdrew from next week's Italian Open in Rome because of a right shoulder injury.
The ailment has caused the 20-year-old Russian native to be idle since losing to Serena Williams in the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami in March.
"My body is slowly getting better, but in no way will I be ready to play in Rome," she said on her Web site. "I am doing everything possible to be ready to play at the French Open. It is a shame because I like playing in Rome."
This will be the second year in a row that Sharapova has missed the Italian Open. Last year, a foot injury caused her to miss the tournament.
Despite her prolonged absence, she was No. 2 in this week's world rankings.
She reached the semifinals in Rome in 2004, but lost the title match to Switzerland's Patty Schnyder.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International.
