ROME, - World number two Maria Sharapova has pulled out of next week's Italian Open in Rome with a shoulder injury, the tournament organisers said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Russian, whose best result at the claycourt event was a semi-final finish in 2005, has not played since losing 6-1 6-1 to Serena Williams in Miami in March.

She also missed last year's Rome tournament due to a foot injury.

The organisers could not confirm whether Sharapova might also miss the French Open, which starts on May 27.