Tennis News

Florida, Feb 16: Australian Open finalists Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have both withdrawn from next week's the Dubai Tennis Championships due to injury. No. 1 Sharapova will not play the $1.5-million event due to a hamstring injury she suffered several weeks ago in Tokyo.

"I'm very disappointed to have to withdraw," read a statement from the Florida-based Russian. "The hamstring that I injured in Tokyo is not yet healed.

"I tried everything possible to be in condition to play, but unfortunately I'm not ready. I'm looking forward to continuing to recover as quickly as possible so that I can get back on the court competing."

Melbourne winner Williams continued her February string of withdrawals, having not played since lifting the Grand Slam nearly three weeks ago over Sharapova 6-1, 6-2.

The American followed up her pullout from this week's tournament in Bangalore by pulling from Dubai, citing flu. Justine Henin, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Martina Hingis head the women's field.

The men's event begins the following week of February 26th, where Spain's Rafael Nadal will defend his title against three-time former champion and world number 1 Roger Federer.

Also confirmed for that field are Russian number 3 Nikolay Davydenko, Spain's Tommy Robredo, and German Tommy Haas. Five of the world Top Ten are due in the emirate.