Sharapova officially shutters 2008 season, to begin training next week

As predicted, Maria Sharapova has officially closed down her 2008 season as she still rehabs her balky right shoulder.

The 21-year old made the announcement via her website's "Weekly Doodles":

I've been progressing really well but its taking a lot longer than I had selfishly planned. Therefore my team and I decided to 'shut it down' for the season.

Not a surprise but a very smart move for sure. Shrieka is, however, getting ready to begin training again next week:

To be quite honest this whole experience has been quite the change to my usual yearly pace. On the weekends I have been able to go home and have a normal quiet life...which is so unusual because my days off during the year are so random. Next week I am going to finally hit my first tennis ball and a few weeks after that my first serves.

Hallelujah! Aside from being a bit quieter, the Aussie Open champ's presence on the WTA Tour has been sorely missed. Even doubters would have to admit she brings a champion's intensity and focus that is lacking even in the top echelon of the women's game (right Ana?).

As the cliché goes, you don't know what you've got until it's gone.

*Via Down the Line!

(image via Getty)