Injured Sharapova out of Indian Wells

March 04, 2016 | 10:13

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World number seven Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after failing to recover from a troublesome forearm injury, it was confirmed on Thursday.

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, pictured on Feb 4, 2016, has not played since exiting the Australian Open in the quarter-finals in January. (AFP/Andrei Golovanov)

LOS ANGELES: World number seven Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after failing to recover from a troublesome forearm injury, it was confirmed on Thursday (Mar 3).

The Russian star said in a statement issued by tournament chiefs she had pulled out in an effort to return to full fitness. "I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year's BNP Paribas Open," said Sharapova.

"I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100 per cent ready to play this event, as it is one of my favourite events on the WTA and so close to my home in LA. I know the tournament will be a great success this year and I will be anxious to return next year and hopefully many years after."

Sharapova has not played since exiting the Australian Open in the quarter-finals in January.

Her withdrawal from Indian Wells is the third time this year she has withdrawn from a tournament because of her forearm injury, having also missed tournaments in Brisbane and Doha. Mariana Duque-Marino moves into the main draw for Indian Wells following Sharapova's absence.

This year's tournament takes place from Mar 7-20.

AFP

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