TORONTO, July 29: World number two Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the WTA Rogers Cup hardcourt event in Toronto next month because of a nagging left hip injury, organizers said.

She has not played since losing to Portuguese qualifier Michelle Larcher de Brito in the second round at Wimbledon in late June.

`I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to play in Toronto next week as it`s one of the best and most important tournaments of the year, Sharapova said.

`I was looking forward to making a healthy return to the courts in front of my Canadian fans but unfortunately Fm just not recovered yet.`-AFP