Sharapova's ankle injury will keep her out of the Pan Pacific Open
September 29, 2011
Marina Sharapova, a Russian-born professional tennis player, is out of the Pan Pacific Open. However, she was not bested in the quarterfinals by an opponent, but rather an injury that took her down.
"I hit a serve and then landed awkwardly on my left ankle," Sharapova told reporters, according to the AP. "I felt a sharp pain and next thing I knew I was on the floor. It swelled up immediately, and I knew there was no way I could continue."
Sharapova, who won her first title at 17 against Serena Williams, was down three to four against Petra Kvitova in their first set when she injured her ankle. Kvitova, expressed sorrow that their match came to such an abrupt end, but hopes that the Russian player will be alright.
The two faced each other at Wimbledon in July, and Kvitova won 6-3, 6-4 to secure her first major championship win. This was Sharapova's chance to even the playing field, but now she will have to wait until her ankle heals.
Fans of Sharapova and women's tennis can make calls to Russia with an international calling card to talk to their friends about the competition and Sharapova's injury.