Sharapova pulls out with injury
17/05/2008 14:06  - (SA)  

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Sharapova a step closer to No 1 Henin announces retirement

Rome - Maria Sharapova pulled out of Saturday's semi-final match at the Italian Open with a left calf injury.

The problem apparently developed while Sharapova was warming up for her match with defending champion Jelena Jankovic.

In Sunday's final, Jankovic will meet either sixth-seeded Anna Chakvetadze or French qualifier Alize Cornet, who were playing later.

Sharapova will still take over the No 1 spot in the rankings on Monday due to Justine Henin's retirement.

Withdrawals have been a common theme at the Foro Italico this year.

Both semi-finals at the Rome Masters last week ended early due to players quitting, setting the tournament record with five retirements in all. On Friday, Serena Williams withdrew in the quarter-finals with a back problem.

Sharapova required 2 hours, 44 minutes to get by Patty Schnyder on Friday, a match that concluded near midnight local time.

- AP

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