Maria Sharapova has been forced out of next week’s Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati with a left arm injury.
“I arrived in Cincinnati yesterday eager to play. However, following the doctor’s advice on-site, as a precaution for the US Open, I am unfortunately withdrawing from the tournament with the left forearm injury I sustained in Stanford,” Sharapova said. “I want to thank the tournament for the wildcard opportunity and really look forward to competing here next year.”
More: Zverev Knocks off Federer for Second Masters 1000 title in Montreal
Since returning from her doping suspension Sharapova has won six of nine matches but has also been plagued by injuries. The Russian retired in the third set of her second match at the Rome Masters with a thigh injury. The injury forced her to miss the entire grass-court season.
After one win at Stanford she picked up the arm injury and pulled out of the tournament.
Sharapova’s hopes of making the main draw at the US Open rest on receiving a wild card from the tournament. Otherwise she would need to play the qualification tournament. The five-time major champion is currently ranked 149 in the world.