Maria Sharapova Withdraws from Brisbane, Still on for Australian Open: Fan Reaction
Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the upcoming Brisbane International due to continuing concerns over an ankle injury she suffered back in September at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo. The injury also caused her to miss action at the China Open and also to withdraw from the WTA Championships in Istanbul in October."I was really looking forward to starting my 2012 season at the Brisbane International, which has a fantastic reputation as a great and welcomng event," Sharapova said in a statement December 24."Unfortunately my ankle is not 100 percent and I will not be able to make it this year. I do expect to be ready for the year's first grand slam and I am really looking forward to competing on court."
Hopefully, her optimism isn't just for the sake of public perception, and Sharapova will be able to play in the Australian Open. It goes without saying that it's a big event and to not have her in it will be a letdown for fans. There are of course many stories to be made in Melbourne, but if Sharapova isn't there I'm a fan who will be disappointed.
Sharapova and Venus Williams both say they will play in Melbourne
Sharapova's withdrawal from a warm-up tournament follows a similar announcement from Venus Williams, who withdrew from the Auckland Classic. Williams pulled out due to lingering conditions from her auto-immune disorder she revealed after withdrawing from the U.S. Open earlier in the year. Williams said she was suffering from Sjorgens syndrome.
Craig Tiley, tournament director of the Australian Open, said December 23 that his information indicates Venus will play when the Australian Open gets underway January 16.
Barty continuing progress toward Open. Ashleigh Barty, the 15-year-old from Queensland, is continuing to dazzle fans Down Under. She will make her WTA tour premiere following the granting of wild cards into the Brisbane International qualifying and the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International. She's already earned a wild card into the Australian Open, so she might be quite busy in January, depending on how deep she goes.- yahoo.com
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