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Dubai: Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova has announced her withdrawal from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a viral illness.
Sharapova, who was scheduled to play her first round match on Tuesday evening, is disappointed that she will be unable to compete in the Dubai Duty Free owned tournament.
"I was very much looking forward to playing the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships. Unfortunately I have been battling a virus for several days and it's reached a point where I'm unable to compete."
However, she added that she did intend to return next year to play in Dubai.
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: "We are obviously disappointed that Maria will not be playing in Dubai as we know that she enjoys playing here and is extremely popular with the crowds. However, we understand her need to rest as a result of this illness and wish her a speedy recovery."
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