SYDNEY, Jan 11: Reigning Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from this year's event because of a slower than expected recovery from a shoulder injury.

The Russian said she was making steady progress but was not fit enough to compete at the tournament, which starts on

Jan 19.

“I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year's Australian Open,” the world No 9 said in a statement.

“My shoulder is doing great but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels.”

Sharapova won her first Australian Open title last year when she beat Serbia's Ana Ivanovic in the final at Melbourne Park but has not played since August.—Reuters