Masha
Injury fears follow Sharapova's China exit
September 25, 2005 - 11:17AM
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Withdrawal: Maria Sharapova.
Photo: AFP
Maria Sharapova feared serious injury after a mystery chest problem forced her to quit her China Open semi-final with fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko on Saturday.
The world No.1 was trailing 6-4 2-1 when she stopped with a pectoral injury under orders from her father Yuri, handing close friend Kirilenko a place in her second WTA Tour final.
Kirilenko will meet ninth seed Anna-Lena Groenefeld in today's final after the German beat Poland's Marta Domachowska 7-5 6-3.
"Even if I couldn't walk I'd want to finish the match," a dejected Sharapova told reporters. "It's something that I can't control. It's a very mysterious injury.
"It was getting worse and worse with every shot."
Sharapova's injury is the same right pectoral muscle strain that forced her out of last month's Los Angeles Open.
"In reality, yes it hurts and it's very painful. I had an MRI in LA and they said it was just a muscle problem or inflammation," said the Siberian-born teenager.
"It's kind of up and down and it comes unexpectedly. I took a week and half off to get ready for the US Open and after all that it was still not better so that's a concern."
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AdvertisementSharapova's exit completed a miserable week for the tournament after the early departure of three of its top four seeds.
Lindsay Davenport withdrew after winning in Bali last weekend, title holder Serena Williams suffered a shock defeat in her opening match and Wimbledon champion Venus Williams pulled out with a knee injury before her quarter-final.
"I didn't see that she had a problem. It was a surprise for me when she called for the trainer," said Kirilenko.
Sharapova had won titles in Tokyo, Doha and Birmingham this year and was favourite for an 11th career title after the exits of Venus and Serena Williams.
Sharapova's decision to retire was greeted by a cacophony of boos from Chinese fans already angered by the quick departures of the Williams sisters.
Reuters
At least Maria K, won her first title!!!!!!!!!!