Tennis pro Maria Sharapova withdrew on Wednesday from the US Open. A nagging shoulder injury will keep the 26-year-old Russian sidelined, USA Today Sports reports.
"Maria has informed us that she will be unable to compete at the U.S. Open this year due to a right shoulder bursitis and has withdrawn from the tournament," U.S. Open tournament director David Brewer said in a statement. "We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to New York next year."
After losing in the second round at Wimbledon, Sharapova missed the Stanford and Toronto tournaments - although WTATennis.com listed her with a left hip injury. Her agent, Max Eisenbud, told USA Today Sports that her shoulder has been nagging her since before May's French Open.
Sharapova, 37-7 with two WTA titles for the year, made it to the final of Roland Garros before falling to Serena Williams. After her early exit at Wimbledon, Sharapova fired longtime coach Thomas Hogstedt and hired Jimmy Connors.
Her relationship with Connors lasted just one match - Sharapova fired him after an opening round loss to Sloane Stephens at the Cincinnati Masters.
Sharapova addressed her withdrawal in a statement released on her official website:
"I just wanted to let you know that withdrawing from the US Open has been a really tough decision to make. I have done everything I could since Wimbledon to get myself ready, but it just wasn't enough time. I have done many tests, received several opinions and it all comes down to taking the proper amount of time to heal my shoulder injury properly.
"It's certainly not an easy decision to make ahead of one of my favorite tournaments, but I know it's the right one that will get me back on the courts soon. I plan on taking the next few weeks off, receiving proper treatment and rehabilitation. I will miss being part of the US Open, but can't wait for next year!"
