Former world number one Maria Sharapova believes that the healing process “takes time” and decides that it’s best not to take part at the singles competition of the upcoming top tier WTA tournament in Indian Wells.
“The healing process takes time and requires things to move more slowly than I would like, but I am taking things one step at a time. I am excited to be playing competitive tennis again,” the Russian wrote on her official website.
However, fans can still get to see Sharapova in action since she announced that she’ll be taking part in the doubles competition of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This marked as the Russian’s first time to compete in a doubles event in four years.
She’ll be partnering with compatriot Elena Vesnina in the tournament which will start on March 11.
Sharapova’s ranking dropped dramatically after being sidelined by shoulder injury since August last year. She has skipped the Beijing Olympics, U.S. Open and the recently concluded Australian Open, where she was the defending champion. Her current world ranking is 23.
Her planned comeback in Dubai and Paris has been postponed as well. There have been assumptions that she will compete in singles at an upcoming top tier event in Miami.
Sharapova was the 2006 Indian Wells champion. At age 21, she’s already won three Grand Slam titles.
