Reigning Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova is withdrawing from the upcoming Sony Ericsson Open due to fatigue.
The former world number one advised tournament officials of her decision earlier today.
The event - held in Key Biscayne, Florida - begins next week and runs until 6 April.
Sharapova's 18-match winning streak to start the year came to an end on Friday when she lost to countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semi-final of the Pacific Life Open.
This is the second time this season that the 20-year-old has pulled out of an event at the last minute.
After capturing her second title of the season in Doha last month, she withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships with a viral illness.
'I've been playing a lot of tennis, flying a lot, and it's all been work since I took a week off after the (Tour Championships in November),' Sharapova told reporters after Friday's defeat.
'It's pretty much been non-stop. All the tournaments I've been playing, and Fed Cup as well.
'It takes a toll on your body and your mind. You feel like you have to go out on the court and, you know, spend a lot of emotion and energy out there, and sometimes you just don't have it for every match.'
The Sony Ericsson Open is a mandatory event, which means Sharapova will likely be penalised by the WTA for her late decision.
'I'm sure that there's a pretty big fine, but the body is more important than a fine,' Sharapova said.
