TIL Desk Sports/ Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Stanford Classic ahead of her second round match due to soreness in her left arm. “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from today’s match,” Sharapova 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,” she added.
She was competing as a wildcard in her fourth tournament after a 15-month doping ban. The Russian player was scheduled to lock horns with Ukraine’s seventh seed Lesia Tsurenko for a place in the semi-finals. Her early exit means Tsurenko advances to the third round by walkover. Sharapova made her return to the WTA after eight weeks away with a leg injury on Monday in Stanford, where she defeated Jennifer Brady, 6-1, 4-6, 6-0.