June 04, 2011
French Open semi-finalist Maria Sharapova is to miss the AEGON Classic in Birmingham next week due to illness.
The Russian star exceeded all expectations at Roland Garros by reaching the last four, after a largely disappointing record on clay in her career.
It seems however as if Sharapova’s recent exploits have taken their toll and the former Wimbledon winner will now take a week’s rest ahead of the action at SW19.
After holding the tournament in high regard for quite some time following her title wins in 2004 and 2005, the 24 year-old was keen to apologise for her absence.
“I am really sorry that I will miss all my amazing fans, but I will be back next year for sure,” Sharapova said.
Tournament director Patrick Hughesman was naturally disappointed at the news saying:
“This is disappointing news for the tournament as Maria is very popular here in Birmingham.”
“However we do still have world-class players competing at the event so it will be a great event and we’re looking forward to it enormously.”
There was another blow for the event however when second seed Marion Bartoli also declared her withdrawal due to injury.
Like Sharapova, Bartoli has endured a rigorous fortnight in Paris and will now allow time to recuperate before Wimbledon gets underway.
Ana Ivanovic is likely to start as favourite when the championship begins on Monday; whilst Britain’s promising young star Heather Watson will be confident of getting some wins under her belt in front of the English crowd.
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