Two-time champion Maria Sharapova will miss next month’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells due to a right shoulder injury.
The former world No 1 has contested just three events since last summer’s US Open, and has been forced to withdraw or retire from two of them.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova says she is “working through some painful days”, after withdrawing from next month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
The 31-year-old, who has a shoulder injury, has withdrawn or retired from two out of the three events she has played in since September’s US Open.
“It’s been an issue last year and going into this year,” said the Russian.
“My doctor says it’s a day-by-day pain management situation.”
Sharapova beat defending champion Caroline Wozniacki to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open in January before losing to Ashleigh Barty.
She then pulled out of the St. Petersburg Ladies’ Trophy at the end of January.
“The shoulder injury hasn’t been much of a secret in the past year,” she said.
“That’s been something I have been struggling with and had to shut down the season after the US Open.
“[It’s] still not where I want it to be, I’m still working through some painful days. “That’s something that I have had to deal with since I was 21 years old and really at the peak of my career.”
Unfortunately, Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from #BNPPO19 due to a right shoulder injury.
With her withdrawal, Mona Barthel moves into the main draw. We will miss Maria this year and hope to see her back at Indian Wells next year! pic.twitter.com/HfMl66KgqE
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 13, 2019