Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from Russia's Fed Cup semifinal tie against Germany in Sochi this weekend. The world No. 2 said she injured her leg during practice before losing in her first match in Miami, and just started to play again a few days ago.
"I need to be at my best in order to play at the highest level at this event against such a great team and unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed the preparation time. I am sure the wonderful tennis fans in Sochi will come out and support Team Russia," Sharapova said.
Russian captain Anastasia Myskina added that physically Sharapova "is just simply not ready."
Russia is scheduled to play Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elena Vesnina, with the possibility of adding Vera Zvonareva. No.8-ranked Ekaterina Makarova will not to play Fed Cup this year. Germany's team includes Andrea Petkovic, Angelique Kerber, Sabine Lisicki and Julia Goerges.
Sharapova might also miss Stuttgart next week, where she's a three-time defending champion. If Sharapova is trying to play Stuttgart, she might go cheer her teammates on in her childhood hometown of Sochi.