Wednesday, April 20 2005 08:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India's Fed Cup hopes yesterday (Apr 19, 2005) suffered a huge blow when their number one player Sania Mirza failed to recover from an ankle injury that had kept her off the tennis courts for the past four weeks.

Sania, world No 73, would not return to action for at least another two weeks after her doctor in Hyderabad advised further rest.

"The doctor has said that the left ankle has shown progress but he would need another 10-12 days to decide whether she can play," Sania's father Imran Mirza told sources in New Delhi.

Sania who underwent detailed investigations was detected with a tissue injury.

"She underwent various tests including MRI and bone scan and was diagnosed to be having a soft tissue injury to the ankle," Dr K I Reddy, of the Apollo Hospital, said.

"Her progress would be reassessed after 12 days. In the meanwhile, she is advised against taking any stress," Dr Reddy said.

Sania will return to join the team which takes on Singapore in the opening Group I tie of the Asia Oceania zone qualifiers today (Apr 20, 2005).

The Hyderabadi girl injured her left ankle in December last year but did well to reach the Australian Open third round after entering the main draw through a wild card, and went on to become India's first WTA Tour title winner with her victory in the Hyderabad Open in February.

The 18-year old's participation in the Fed Cup had been doubtful but was included in the team as her high ranking could fetch India the seeding in the draw.