It’s been only 2 weeks since Maria Sharpova has started hitting tennis balls again after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in October. Sharpova has pulled out of the JB Group Classic exhibition event in Tokyo, which takes place January 7th – 10th, 2009.

Sharpova has said that she is not ready to compete at the level that would be required of her in Hong Kong. She has released a statement about this difficult decision, as well as what her plans are for the future.

“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 co-tournament director Terry Catton said that the tournament is very disappointed in Maria Sharpova’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.”

Sharpova’s spot has been given to Anna Chakvetadze, who is currently ranked number 18 and came to Hong Kong in 2008.

Source: On the Baseline

Image Credit: Pacific Coast News

Post from: EveryJoe

Maria Sharapova Pulls Out of Tokyo Tournament

A few days ago, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour released the official 2008 season-ending women’s tennis rankings. Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings is the worldwide computer rankings for women’s tennis.

Jelena Jankovic has made the top of the list as the number one tennis player in the world. Congrats! Here are the top 20 rankings:

1. Jelena Jankovic – Serbia – 4710

2. Serena Williams – United States – 3866

3. Dinara Safina – Russia – 3817

4. Elena Dementieva – Russia – 3663

5. Ana Ivanovic – Serbia – 3457

See the rest of the rankings below.

6. Venus Williams – United States – 3272

7. Vera Zvonareva – Russia – 2952

8. Svetlana Kuznetsova – Russia – 2726

9. Maria Sharapova – Russia – 2515

10. Agnieszka Radwanska – Poland – 2286

11. Nadia Petrova – Russia – 1976

12. Caroline Wozniacki – Denmark – 1678

13. Flavia Pennetta – Italy – 1670

14. Patty Schnyder – Switzerland – 1590

15. Victoria Azarenka – Belarus – 1494

16. Alize Cornet – France – 1492

17. Marion Bartoli – France – 1410

18. Anna Chakvetadze – Russia – 1363

19. Dominika Cibulkova – Slovakia – 1337

20. Katarina Srebotnik – Slovakia – 1272

Source: ESPN

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Season-Ending Women’s Tennis Rankings