MARIA SHARAPOVA FORCED TO PULL OUT OF FED CUP WITH A THIGH INJURY

Written by: Staff on 15th April 2015

MARIA SHARAPOVA FORCED TO PULL OUT OF FED CUP WITH A THIGH INJURY

epa04666930 Maria Sharapova of Russia in action during her fourth round match against Flavia Pennetta of Italy at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 17 March 2015. EPA/PAUL BUCK |

World no.2 Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this weekend’s Fed Cup semi-final against Germany in Sochi, citing a leg injury she suffered in practice prior to her shock opening round exit from the Miami Open.

Sharapova, who revealed she has only recently returned to the practice court, is also likely to miss next week’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart where she is not only the defending champion after winning the title three years in succession but also a high-profile brand ambassador for the sponsor’s products.

Russian captain Anastasia Myskina now seems likely to go into the semi-final against a very strong looking German line-up with a team comprising of Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elena Vesnina with Vera Zvonerava the most likely substitute for Sharapova.

Although current world no.8 Ekaterina Makarova is close to Myskina, even cites her as an idol and has been coached by her on the WTA circuit several times this year, the 26 year-old Muscovite has made herself unavailable for Fed Cup selection this year.

Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts against Daria Gavrilova of Russia during their second round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida, USA, 26 March 2015 EPA/RHONA WISE

Sharapova was beaten 7-6,6-3 by Australian-based Russian Daria Gavrilova in Miami nearly three weeks ago. She made no mention of an injury in her post-match press conference.

Speaking of her late withdrawal from the Russian team, Sharapova said: “I need to be at my best in order to play at the highest level at this event against such a great team and unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed the preparation time. I am sure the wonderful tennis fans in Sochi will come out and support Team Russia.”

When asked on her views, Myskina said: “Physically, Maria is just simply not ready.”

Sharapova did play in February’s 4-0 win for Russia over Poland in Krakow with singles victories over both Radwanska sisters. Prior to that she last played back in 2012 and with Olympic selection forefront in many players’ minds this year, sufficient Davis and Fed Cup outings are imperative.

My team and I specially changed my timetable so that I could represent my country in the semi-final,” Sharapova added.

“However, unfortunately I picked up a leg injury and it did not allow me to be in the best condition to get ready for this tie.”

CONTENT VIA BOB LARSON TENNIS NEWS.

Topics: Fed Cup, Maria Sharapova, Tennis

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10sBalls_com says:

April 15, 2015 at 8:58 am

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