Injured Sharapova unable to compete at Italian Open
Saturday, 17 May 2008 19:47
Injured Sharapova should be fit for French Open
Maria Sharapova was unable to compete in the semi-finals of the Italian Open after she had to pull out through injury.
The Russian starlet was scheduled to play defending champion Jelena Jankovic, but she didn't want to cause further damage to a calf strain with the French Open starting in only eight days time.
Sharapova, who will be confirmed as world number one on Monday after the surprising retirement of Justine Henin earlier in the week, expects to be fit for Roland Garros.
"When I stepped on my left foot today I knew there was no chance I was going to be able to go on court," said the 21-year-old.
"It was the best decision at this point, especially with a big tournament coming up. I'm sorry for my fans. I hope to make it up to them soon."
Serbian Jankovic will now be a hot favourite to retain her title when she faces French qualifier Alize Cornet in the final tomorrow.
Cornet came back from being a set and 0-3 down in the second to upset sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze 3-6 6-4 6-3.
The 18-year-old Cornet insisted that she will be no pushover in the final, declaring "nobody can stop me, I believe in me".