Toronto: World number two Maria Sharapova has pulled out of next week's Rogers Cup in Toronto after suffering a right leg strain, tournament chiefs confirmed on Friday.
The Russian right-hander's withdrawal was announced on the tournament's Twitter feed, which added that Romania's Simona Halep had now been elevated to second seed.
Here is @MariaSharapova's full statement about her withdrawal from #RogersCup. We wish her a speedy recovery! pic.twitter.com/6YkhhQUrjJ
— Rogers Cup Toronto (@rogerscup) August 8, 2015World number one Serena Williams will be chasing her fourth Rogers Cup crown after wins in 2013, 2011 and 2001.
Five-time Grand Slam tournament winner Sharapova, beaten by Williams in this year's Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals, has never won the Rogers Cup.
The hardcourt tournament is one of several tune-up events leading into the US Open, where Williams will be attempting to complete a calendar year sweep of all four tennis Grand Slam events
