Sharapova Out of Carson Event

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia has withdrawn from next week’s JPMorgan Chase Open in Carson in an effort to pare down her summer schedule, according to the 17-year-old.

Sharapova’s absence is a blow to the event, which will be in its second year at the Home Depot Center facility in Carson. Among those scheduled to play are Wimbledon finalist Serena Williams and her older sister, Venus Williams, as well as Jennifer Capriati and Lindsay Davenport.

Sharapova will play a World TeamTennis match Wednesday in Newport Beach for the Breakers, and her next tour event is the Acura Classic at Carlsbad, starting July 26. She is skipping her second scheduled match for the Breakers on Saturday.

“When I originally planned my ambitious summer schedule, I dreamed about, but didn’t count on, winning Wimbledon,” Sharapova said in a statement.

“I want to make sure that I stay strong and play at my highest level for the rest of the season and beyond. So ... we have made the difficult decision to change my schedule to allow me to get some mandatory rest and recovery time.”

-- Lisa Dillman