Brisbane, Australia (dpa) – Organizers were dealt a cruel pre-Christmas blow on Saturday as three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova pulled from her intended debut at the Brisbane International due to a left ankle injury. The US-based Russian had signed up for the Queensland start to her WTA season, angering tournament officials in Auckland, where she had played last January, reaching the quarter-finals. “I was really looking forward to starting my 2012 season at the Brisbane International, which has a fantastic reputation as a great and welcoming event,” Sharapova said. “Unfortunately my ankle is not 100 percent and I won't be able to make it this year.” Sharapova added that she expects to be ready when the Australian Open begins on January 16. She became the second major player to skip a regional tournament, with Venus Williams also pulling out with illness from the Auckland event begin the season on January 2. The Sharaova ankle problem has plagued her since September, forcing her with withdraw in both Bejiing and the year-end championships in November. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/zs0w4 Tags: Brisbane, Injury, Maria Sharapova, Tennis Section: Sport
