Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Paris Open on doctors' advice

Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Paris Open because of a virus. The No2 seed, who had a bye in the first round, was due to play Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States in the second round but was not well enough to take to the court.

"Upon seeing the doctor this morning I have taken his advice and reluctantly had to withdraw," the 23-year-old Russian said. "I did everything possible to be ready to play."

Sharapova, who had been given a wildcard to play in Paris, missed her media commitments in the week and only managed to practise for 10 minutes on Wednesday.

Her withdrawal, along with a number of others before the tournament, increases the chances of victory for the No1 seed Kim Clijsters, who only needs to reach the semi-finals to become world No1 again.