Injury forces Sharapova to miss Fed Cup

PARIS: Russian world number two Maria Sharapova has pulled out of next week's WTA event the Family Circle Cup and the forthcoming Fed Cup clash in Moscow with Spain, it was announced on Monday.   

Sharapova is slated to miss between five to six weeks of action because of a repeat of a right shoulder injury and a left hamstring injury.   

"I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from the Family Circle Cup because of my injuries that will keep me out for five to six weeks," said Sharapova, who was recently ousted as world number one by Justine Henin.   

"I'm looking forward to getting back on the court as soon as possible," added Sharapova.   

Sharapova was clearly not at here best last week when she was demolished 6-1, 6-1 by Serena Williams - who had also beaten her in the Australian Open final - in the last 16 of the Miami ATP and WTA Masters Series event.