Maria Sharapova’s return to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has once again been delayed.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has pulled out of the JB Group Classic exhibition event in Tokyo, which will be held January 7-10, 2009.
Sharapova underwent arthroscopic surgery in October and only started hitting tennis balls just over two weeks ago. Although she is back playing, Sharapova has admitted that she has not done sufficient training to compete at the high level that Hong Kong demands.
“It’s with much disappointment that I have to withdraw from Hong Kong,” said Sharapova in a statement released by the tournament.
“I’ve been using this event for the last five years to get match fit and ready for the new season, in fact Hong Kong has been successful in preparing me for the Australian Open. I am very sorry I won’t be competing, and I deeply apologise to my fans and the sponsors that they won’t see me there this year. I’m just not ready to play against the top class competition in Hong Kong, although I remain hopeful for Australia where I’m the defending champion. Believe me, it’s been a very difficult decision, but I only started practicing 16 days ago. I love playing in Hong Kong, and the Organisers attract a world class field.”
The JB Group Classic is a world team event featuring Europe, Russia, Team Americas and Asia Pacific. A total of 12 players make up a star-studded field including world No.1 Jelena Jankovic, Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams and crowd favourite Zheng Jie from China.
“We’re hugely disappointed, who wouldn’t be, but we’ve known Maria for over five years and we know what a tough competitor she is,” said co-tournament director Terry Catton about Sharapova’s withdrawal.
“She wouldn’t give up her spot in Hong Kong lightly and we are terribly sad for her. We’re particularly disappointed for our sponsors, our fans and all our different partners but we welcome Maria’s comments about Hong Kong, we wish her well for the season and look forward to welcoming her back another year. Tennis needs a fit and competitive Maria.”
The Tennis Patrons’ Association will replace her with Anna Chakvetadze. Anna is currently world No.18 and came to Hong Kong for the first time in 2008. Replacing Maria as Team Russia’s captain will be world No. 7, Vera Zvonareva.
