Maria Sharapova is expected to announce her withdrawal from the Aegon Classic in Birmingham due to injury.
The 30 year old Russian, who has just returned from a 15 month suspension, is expected to announce her withdrawal from the tournament according to clos sources to the tournament. It was only recently that the multiple grand slam champion had signed a two year deal to play at the tournament. She was offered a wildcard but it is understood that she is due to turn that down due to a thigh injury. She picked up the injury in her Italian Open second round match with Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.
The world number 178 is due to play the Wimbledon qualifying event in Roehampton on the 26 June in the aim to qualify for the main draw. The injury will be a big blow for Birmingham organisers as her presence was used to generate more funds for the tournament and for the Aegon Classic to no longer be in the shadow of the ATP event at Queen’s Club, London. However the tournament is still expected to attract a world class field such as Angelique Kerber, Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza, Johanna Konta, Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova.
Don’t forget to follow the Aegon Classic in Birmingham on the 17th of June with UBI Tennis.
