I've confirmed that Maria Sharapova will miss the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, a development first reported by Tennisreporters.net. I've subsequently learned that her withdrawal will be announced as early as this evening. Sharapova is currently in Phoenix practicing and rehabbing her shoulder, which has kept her off the tour (except for a brief doubles appearance at Indian Wells) since Montreal in August. One perk of being away so long for the three-time Grand Slam champ: Players who miss six months can use a protected ranking when they return. While her condition is improving, she does not feel that she's ready to play seven matches in a row. She is targeting a return on clay, most likely in Europe.