By Laura Weydandt
July 12 2004

Wimbledon champion 2004, Mara Sharapova withdraws from the JP Morgan Chase Open, which starts on the 19th July in Los Angeles. The 17-year-old Russian changes her schedule and withdraws from the tier II event to have some more time to recover from her victory in Wimbledon. “When I originally planned my ambitious summer schedule, I dreamed about, but didn't count on, winning Wimbledon. This past week has been the most unbelievable time of my life. I want to make sure that I stay strong and play at my highest level for the rest of the season and beyond. After talking with my advisors, including my dad and the WTA Tour, we have made the difficult decision to change my schedule to allow me to get some mandatory rest and recovery time. I love the JP Morgan Chase Open tournament in Los Angeles, and I am so sorry that I will not be able to play there again this year”, Sharapova said in a statement.

Sharapova plans to play next at the tournament in San Diego.