Russian Maria Sharapova, the second seed in the Pan Pacific Open, has withdrew from play after being forced to retire in her quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova. Kvitova led 4-3 in the first set when Sharapova twisted her left ankle while on serve in the eight game of the set. After speaking with her trainer, she decided it would be best if she pulled out to go to the hospital to get an MRI.
"I hit a serve and then landed awkwardly on my left ankle," said Sharapova. " I felt a sharp pain and the next thing I knew I was on the floor. It swelled up immediately, and I knew there was no way I could continue."
Kvitova defeated Sharapova in the Wimbledon finals this year, 6-3, 6-4, for her first major title win.
"It's sad because we were both playing so well," Kvitova said. "It was a great match, but I could see the ankle was really big. Hopefully, she will be okay."
Kvitova goes on to face Vera Zvonareva of Russia who defeated Maria Kirilenko to advance to the semis.
