ACAPULCO, Mexico (AFP) - Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova pulled out of the Mexican Open in Acapulco on Friday due to a stomach virus, keeping her out of the semi-finals.

World No. 2 Sharapova, 27, was due to face Caroline Garcia of France at the Abierto Mexicano in the Pacific resort on Friday.

"I'm really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. I had a great start to the event and was hoping I could recover in time for tonight's match but unfortunately it was not enough time," Sharapova said on her website.

The five-time Grand Slam winner's next tournament is at Indian Wells, California, on March 11.