Tennis: Sick Sharapova withdraws from Italian Open

ROME - Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Italian Open before her quarterfinal with Italy's Sara Errani on Friday because of "physical problems," organizers said.

The Russian is set to defend her French Open title later this month.

Italian Open officials did not elaborate further on the reasons for Sharapova's Rome exit but the 26-year-old said on her Twitter account she was sick.

I'm sorry for having to withdraw from the tournament this morning. Didn't recover after being sick last week and it got me again last night.

— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) May 17, 2013

It really is one of my favorites tournaments during the year and I can't wait to be back next year!

— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) May 17, 2013

"I'm sorry for having to withdraw from the tournament this morning. Didn't recover after being sick last week and it got me again last night," Sharapova tweeted.

"It really is one of my favorites tournaments during the year and I can't wait to be back next year."  - Reuters