Sydney, Australia (My Sportsbook) - Russian Maria Sharapova, the defending champion at the Australian Open, has pulled out of tennis' first Grand Slam event of 2009 due to a slow recovery from a shoulder injury.

"I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year's Australian Open," Sharapova explained in a statement on her Web site. "My shoulder is doing great, but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels."

Sharapova dominated the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific in 2008, and didn't drop a single set on the way to her third Grand Slam title. That started an 18-match winning streak.

"The Australian Open is one of my favorite tournaments, they have the best fans in the world and I am going to miss everything about the tournament. I promise I will see everyone next year," she said.

The shoulder injury forced Sharapova out of the Olympics and the US Open, ending her season.

"She played some amazing tennis on Rod Laver Arena last year and has a massive legion of fans in Australia. I know she has been working around the clock to try and get back from the shoulder injury. In the end, time beat her this year," said Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.

The Australian Open starts January 19 in Melbourne.