Keys and Sharapova miss out on event

Dubai: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Director Salah Tahlak has termed the withdrawal of Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys as “regrettable and unfortunate”.

“This is an unfortunate development for our event, but something that no one can really help. We can only wish them a speedy recovery and return on the tour,” Tahlak told Gulf News on Thursday.

Playing for the first time in Dubai since 2006, Sharapova has pulled out due to an injury, while Keys has been ill and will not travel. The Russian lost in three sets on Monday to Monica Niculescu at the Qatar Open.

“Unfortunately both have regretfully had to withdraw and we are sorry that neither Maria nor Madison will be able to play in Dubai,” Tahlak said.

“But we still have one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the WTA event. Maria said she is very sorry she cannot be here and hopes to return next year. We wish her and Madison a speedy recovery,” he added.