Maria Sharapova withdraws from Fed Cup semi-final

Maria Sharapova has been ruled out of the Fed Cup semi-final between Russia and Germany because of a leg injury.

The world number two hasn't competed since suffering an early exit from the Miami Open on March 27, and the Russian has explained how she doesn't feel in the right condition to try to help her team achieve a place in the final.

The 27-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "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.

"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."

Sharapova will now focus her attention on regaining full fitness ahead of the defence of her Roland Garros crown next month.