Sharapova out of Dubai Open

2008-02-26 12:03

Dubai - Maria Sharapova, who won the Qatar Open only two days ago, has pulled out of the Dubai Open with a virus.

The Australian Open champion from Russia was said to be suffering from the problem last week and complained of losing energy in the second of her three-set win over Vera Zvonareva in Sunday's final in Doha.

"Unfortunately I have been battling a virus for several days and it's reached a point where I'm unable to compete. It's really disappointing," said Sharapova.

It's particularly disappointing for her because, having remained unbeaten in 14 matches this year, Sharapova appears to have been in some of the best form of her life.

During this time she has dropped only one set, causing some pundits to suggest she could climb from her current position as world number five take over at the top of the rankings from Justine Henin at some stage this year.

Instead it will leave Henin, who beat Sharapova in the final two years ago, as an even stronger favourite to extend her unbeaten record at the Dubai Open for a fourth year.

Her principle rivals are Ana Ivanovic, the world number two from Serbia, provided she recovers from the ankle injury which caused her to withdraw after only one match in Doha last week, Svetlana Kuznetsova, the former US Open champion from Russia, and Jelena Jankovic, the world number four from Serbia - though she has been suffering from stomach problems.

At the weekend the Dubai Open lost another big name, when Serena Williams, the former holder of all four Grand Slam titles, withdrew citing an illness.

Sharapova should next compete at the tier one 11-day tournament at Indian Wells, starting on March 12.

- AFP