Sharapova pulls out of Russia Fed Cup clash with Germany

MOSCOW (AP) Maria Sharapova has pulled out of Russia's Fed Cup semifinal against Germany this weekend, citing a leg injury.

In comments released by the Russian Tennis Federation, second-ranked Sharapova said she ''couldn't wait'' to compete at the match in Sochi, the Russian city where she spent part of her childhood, but added that ''the leg injury didn't allow me to prepare for the match to the full extent.''

Russia's Fed Cup captain Anastasia Myskina said Sharapova had picked up the injury during last month's Miami Open, where she slipped to a surprise second-round loss to fellow Russian Daria Gavrilova.

A win for Russia against Germany in the semifinal will set up a final against either the Czech Republic or France.