Two of the top Russian tennis players in the world will not be making the trip to Miami next week for the Sony Ericsson Open. The tournament announced on Wednesday that Dinara Safina and Maria Sharapova have both withdrawn with injuries.
Sharapova, who won earlier this year in Memphis and was looking forward to playing in Miami for the first time since 2007, was forced to withdraw after an MRI revealed a bone bruise on her right elbow. She is expected to miss 3-6 weeks of competition.
Safina, a three-time Grand Slam finalist and former World No. 1, has withdrawn from the event due to a back injury. Safina had played in every Sony Ericsson Open since 2003 reaching the quarterfinals in 2008, her best finish in Miami.
Despite the two withdrawals, the women’s field is highlighted by five-time champion and 2010 Australian Open Champion Serena Williams, seven-time Grand Slam Champion Venus Williams, 2009 French Open Champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, 2009 US Open Champion Kim Clijsters, 2008 French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Dementieva and 2010 Australian Open finalist Justine Henin.
Poor Maria – first the shoulder, and now the elbow! I really hope that she will be back in time for the French Open, Birmingham and Wimbledon.
Andrew,
I agree. I am not the biggest Sharapova fan but I do miss her and her game. I wish her a speedy recovery.