Maria Sharapova Is Expected To Make An Appearance At Brisbane International

Written by: Staff on 27th December 2012

Maria Sharapova Is Expected To Make An Appearance At Brisbane International

epa03450486 Russian Maria Sharapova serves the ball to Serena Williams of the US during their final match of the WTA Championships tennis tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, 28 October 2012. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU |

Brisbane International tournament officials have good cause to wonder if Maria Sharapova will actually turn up for their event that begins in earnest next Monday on December 31. After all, the world no.2 has twice previously withdrawn from the calendar opening event and she cited a sore neck for pulling out of Saturday’s scheduled exhibition match against Caroline Wozniacki in Seoul.

However Sharapova’s manager Max Eisenbud has assured Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson that the 25 year-old American-based Russian will be fit to take her place in the draw where she will benefit from an opening round bye.

Pearson was right to be concerned. Sharapova withdrew from his tournament last year because of ankle problems and she also sent her apologies to the tournament in its’ previous WTA guise on the Gold Coast in 2007.

However he reported Eisenbud had allayed any concerns and Sharapova would in fact fly direct to Australia from Los Angeles, arriving earlier than scheduled tomorrow (Friday) to acclimatize fully.

Fans and organizers in Seoul were not so fortunate. Sharapova is believed to have awoken with the neck issues just before Christmas as she practiced hard to start her 2013 schedule in fine fettle.

Sharapova used Facebook to announce: “For everyone in Korea, I’m sorry I had to withdraw from my exhibition match. I woke up the other day with a neck pain and, after doing a few tests, the doctor wants me to take the next few days without any playing.”

Alongside Sharapova, the Brisbane line up should include reigning champion of Wimbledon, Olympic, US Open and WTA Championships Serena Williams, world no.1 Victoria Azarenka and Australia’s great female hope Samantha Stosur.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Australian tennis news, Brisbane International, Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, Sports, Tennis News, Wta