BIRMINGHAM, England(AP) Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon preparations received a setback Saturday in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Li Na of China in the Aegon Classic semifinals.
The Russian served erratically to drop to 5-1 against the 20th-ranked Li. The former No. 1 player had been out for 10 months with a shoulder injury before returning to action last month at the French Open.
``After such a long layover, every match and every situation is a different test to the body,'' said Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion.
``I still felt like I had many chances in this match, but I have played five matches in the last six days and after that you just hope you wake up with that intensity you need. Against her you need that.''
Sharapova's serve - revamped to prevent injury - lacked rhythm and conviction and she was broken six times.
She dropped serve to trail 4-2 in the first set after missing a forehand before recovering to trail 5-4. However, she was broken again to lose the set.
Sharapova broke to lead 2-0 in the second set, but then lost four straight games and never recovered.
She will spend next week practicing at Wimbledon, with the tournament starting June 22.