Sharapova hit by injury in Rome

The Russian, set to top the new WTA rankings on Monday, was due to face the Serb defending champion on Saturday.

She came through a tough match against Patty Schnyder late on Friday night in which she lost the first set but fought back to triumph 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 6-2.

Jankovic will meet either sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze or French qualifier Alize Cornet in Sunday's final.

Despite her pull-out,Sharapova's rise to number one in the rankings will still be confirmed following the surprise retirement of Justine Henin.