Maria Sharapova’s comeback after a three month absence was cut short today in the second round of the Wuhan Open when she was leading Barbora Strycova 7-6, 6-7, 2-1.
The Russian world number three, who hadn’t appeared on a court since losing to Serena Williams in the final of Wimbledon due to a leg injury, flew into a set and a break lead against her Czech opponent but handed Strycova a lifeline with a number of uncharacteristic unforced errors that took the match to a third set.
After the first game in the deciding set, Sharapova called for the trainer because of a problem in her right forearm and, despite battling on for a few more games, in the end she decided she couldn’t soldier on at 2-1 and offered her opponent the shake of the hand.
“I’ve had my fair share of serious injuries, and I know this is far from it, something I just have to take care of. Obviously Singapore and the Fed Cup are a big priority for me, I’ll do everything in order to be healthy for that”, said Sharapova after the game, taking away some sting as to the extent of her injury.
