Sharapova withdraws from Miami event with shoulder injury

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

"If I'm not going to be ready, I'm not going to be ready. No one's forcing me to go out there and play."

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Indian Wells, California; Editing by Tony Jimenez)