Brisbane, Qld, 24 December 2011 | Tennis Australia

Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Brisbane International due to an ankle injury.

The Russian was due to play at the Brisbane International for the first time in 2012and is extremely disappointed she will not be making the trip to Queensland.

“I was really looking forward to starting my 2012 season at the Brisbane International, which has a fantastic reputation as a great and welcoming event,” Sharapova said today.

“Unfortunately my ankle is not 100 percent and I won’t be able to make it this year.

“I do expect to be ready for the year’s first Grand Slam and I am really looking forward to competing on court.”