Maria Sharapova pulls out of Russia's Fed Cup semi-final against Germany

Maria Sharapova 

World Number 2 Maria Sharapova has pulled out of Russia’s Fed Cup semi-final against Germany at Sochi, slated to be played this weekend.  The 5-time Grand Slam winner said that she specifically altered her schedule to represent her country in the rubber, but an injury to her leg has forced her to withdraw from the clash.

"My team and I specially changed my timetable so that I could represent my country in the semi-final. However, unfortunately I picked up a leg injury and it did not allow me to be in the best condition to get ready for this tie,” Sharapova said.

The 27-year-old added that she needed to bring her A-game out when taking on the Germans, but, unfortunately, didn't get sufficient time to prepare.

"I need to be at the top of my game in order to help my team and play to the best of my ability in the Fed Cup semi-finals against such strong opponents.

"Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to prepare,” she said.

Sharapova isn't ready to play the rubber: Myskina

Confirming the news of her withdrawal, captain Anastasia Myskina said that she had been in touch to the two-time French Open champion and her team over the last few days with regards to her condition and sounded confident of her team putting up a strong show, despite her absence.

“Over the last few days, I have spoken with Maria and her team a lot. Unfortunately her condition will not allow her to play for the national team. Maria did everything she could to try and play in Sochi. However, at the moment, she just isn't ready,” Myskina said.

“I believe in the strength and ability of our team and am really looking forward to the semi-final,” she added.

Sharapova’s last competitive tournament was the Miami Open last month, where she was knocked out in the second round by World Number 97  Daria Gavrilova.