December 27, 2011 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Brisbane International Tournament in January with an ankle injury. She says she expects to be ready for the Australian Open which is set for later in the month. She twisted her left ankle during the Pan Pacific Open in September and is still being nagged by the injury.
"Unfortunately, my ankle is not 100 percent, and I won’t be able to make it this year. 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," said Sharapova.
The former U.S. Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open champ said she is keen to compete in the Australian Open down under which commences on Jan. 16, 2012.
"I do expect to be ready for the year’s first Grand Slam, and I am really looking forward to competing on court," Sharapova said.
