DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Maria Sharapova, undefeated so far this year, withdrew Tuesday from the Dubai Tennis Championships because of a viral illness.
Sharapova, ranked fifth in the world and seeded fifth at the talent-laden Dubai championships, won the Australian Open and last week's tournament in Qatar while running her 2008 record to 14-0. She was replaced in the Dubai draw by Akiko Morigami.