Maria Sharapova pulls out of BNP Paribas Open with forearm injury
Friday 4 March 2016 07:47, UK
Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after failing to recover from a lingering forearm injury.
The world No 7 revealed the news in a statement issued by tournament organisers, in which she confirmed she had pulled out in an attempt 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% ready to play this event, as it is one of my favourite events on the WTA, and so close to my home in Los Angeles.
"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 her exit from the Australian Open at the quarter-final stage in January.
Her withdrawal from Indian Wells is the third time this year she has pulled out of a tournament as a result of the forearm injury.
She was unable to take part in the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open in January, and then had to withdraw from February's Qatar Open after failing to recover.
In Sharapova's absence, Marina Duque-Marino of Colombia will move into the main draw for the tournament, which takes place between March 7 and March 20.
