Russia's [ Images ] Maria Sharapova [ Images ] has pulled out of the $1.5 million Dubai [ Images ] Tennis Championships citing a viral illness.

The Australian Open [ Images ] champion, who also won in Doha last week, is unbeaten in 2008 and had been scheduled to play her first match in Dubai on centre court in Tuesday's evening session.

"Unfortunately I have been battling a virus for several days and it's reached a point where I'm unable to compete," the world number five said in a statement on Tuesday.

"This is really disappointing to me, but I do intend to come back to Dubai next year and hopefully have a great tournament."