 |
| Maria Sharapova 373 x 374 |
MONTREAL (AP) -- Saying she is tired, Maria Sharapova joined the parade of top players to withdraw from the $1.34 million Rogers Cup tournament that begins Monday.
Sharapova's decision was announced after she lost in straight sets to Elena Dementieva in the JPMorgan Chase Open semifinals Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Sharapova won last week's Acura Classic in Carlsbad, Calif., and had played nine matches in 13 days.
"I'm deeply saddened to have to withdraw from the Rogers Cup,'' Sharapova said in a statement. "Unfortunately, my body is very fatigued because of the extensive number of matches that I have played over a short period of time, and I don't feel that I can perform at the level required.''
Amelie Mauresmo, ranked No. 1 in the world, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Venus Williams, Mary Pierce, Patty Schnyder and Vera Zvonareva also recently withdrew from the tournament.
Second-ranked Kim Clijsters of Belgium is the top seed in the hardcourt tournament.