For days Lindsay Davenport has been fighting a bad cold, but if has finally got the better of her.


The world's number 1 player has had to withdraw from the Swisscom Challenge 2004.

"I'm disappointed that I have to withdraw. The tournament and the fans in Zurich have always been great. But unfortunately the cold has just got worse and worse. Sorry!"


Maria is now third seeded for the Swisscom Challenge, wich will start tomorrow at 10.30 local time with the match betw...

Maria, fourth seeded for this tournament, has received a bye for the first round and will play in the second round against the winner of the Vera Douchevina(RUS) / Daniela Hantuchova(SVK) match.

Maria will only play singles on her first Zurich performance. She is seeded to meet Venus Williams of the United States in the quarters and Lindsay Davenport of the United States in the semis.



The quali-finals will be played tomorrow at 10.00 local time. So check for more updates...

Maria is 4th seeded for the upcoming tournament in Zurich.
Amélie Mauresmo of France is the first seeded player, followed by Lindsay Davenport(2) and Elena Dementieva(3).




Tournament director Beat Ritschard gave Lisa RAYMOND(USA), Vera DOUCHEVINA(RUS) and Timea BACSINSZKY(SUI) wildcard berths for the upcoming Swisscom-Challenge event next Monday





Click here to see the updated play...

The WTA have released the Gold Exempt list for 2005 and Maria is in Group 1-3 with Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium and Serena Williams of the United States. To read more about receiving Gold Exempt click here to read the official WTA rulebook.

Maria will headline a star-studded field for next year's Champions Women's Challenge in Hong Kong, organizers announced today.


Maria, World No. 7, is the top draw card for the exhibition tournament, scheduled for Jan. 5-8 at the Victoria Park Tennis court.


First time Maria played in Hong Kong was two years ago when her world ranking was 186th. She got defeated by Monica Seles in the semis. (6-3, 6-0)



"We are delighted Sharapova will be returning to Hong Kong," said...