Tennis-Sharapova withdraws from Miami event with shoulder injury

MIAMI, March 22 (Reuters) - World number five Maria Sharapova has pulled out of next week's Sony Ericsson Open in Miami because of a shoulder injury, organisers said on Saturday.

The 20-year-old had hinted she might withdraw from the Masters Series event after losing 6-3 5-7 6-2 to fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Pacific Life Open semi-finals at Indian Wells, California on Friday.

Sharapova's defeat by the second seed ended a winning streak of 18 matches that included her third grand slam title at the Australian Open in January.

"We wish Maria a speedy recovery and hope she is able to return to the court quickly," Sony Ericsson tournament director Adam Barrett said in a statement.

"Our fans will miss watching her on the court but I know she still plans on coming to Miami so they will still have the opportunity to see her on site and around town."

On Friday, Sharapova said she needed a break from the game because of fatigue after a hectic tournament schedule since the start of the year.

"I'm playing a lot of tennis, been flying a lot," said the Russian, who had clocked just under 50,000 miles before arriving at Indian Wells two weeks ago.

"It's pretty much been non-stop with all the tournaments I've been playing and Fed Cup as well. It takes a toll on your body and your mind as well.

"At this point of the year I can't really be putting any pressure on myself by saying 'you've got to go out there and play next week'.