Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Bank of West Classic on medical advice concerning a forearm injury.
The former world No.1 return to action earlier this week after missing the entire grass-court swing of the tour due to a leg injury. In the first round at Stanford, she defeated Jennifer Brady 6-1, 4-6, 6-0, to record her first tour win in North America since returning from a doping ban in April this year. It was during that match where Sharapova started to feel pain in her forearm.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from today’s match,” She said in a statement. “Toward the end of Monday night’s match, I felt pain in my left forearm. After yesterday’s scan, the doctor has recommended I don’t risk further injury. Monday night’s crowd was so special and I wish I could continue playing, but I have to make a preventative decision.”
Stanford tournament director Vickie Gunnarsson has sent her well wishes to Sharapova. A former finalist of the tournament back in 2010.
“This is definitely tough for Maria,” Gunnarsson said via wtatennis.com. “She has so many fans which was evident by the support she received here on Monday night. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the court soon.”
It is not the first time the Russian has been troubled by her left forearm. During an injury-stricken season in 2015, she withdrew from the Wuhan Open in China due to the same issue. It is unclear as to how serious the latest injury is for Sharapova, who is aiming to play in her first grand slam tournament since January 2016 at the US Open.
So far this season, Sharapova has played three clay court events on the tour. Her best performance occurred in Stuttgart when she reached the semi-finals. Since then, she has lost in the second round in Madrid and withdrew from Rome due a leg injury.
Sharapova’s withdrawal means seventh seed Lesia Tsurenko will progress to the last eight of the tournament. The Ukrainian will play either Madison Keys or qualifier Caroline Dolehide.
