Sharapova, Serena withdraw from Dubai

Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams both withdrew Friday from next week's WTA Dubai Duty Free Women's Open Tennis Tournament, citing ailments.

Williams, who trounced Sharapova on Jan. 27 to win the Australian Open for her eighth Grand Slam title, has battled the flu in recent days.


The illness forced her to opt out of this week's Bangalore Open in India.


Sharapova has been hampered by a hamstring injury.


"I'm very disappointed to have to withdraw," Sharapova said in a statement. "The hamstring that I injured in Tokyo is not yet healed. I tried everything possible to be in condition to play, but unfortunately I'm not ready. I'm looking forward to continuing to recover as quickly as possible so that I can get back on the court competing."