WTA confirmed that three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova won’t be able to participate in two upcoming claycourt events – the Italian and the inaugural Madrid Open tournaments. This is due to the Russian’s lingering shoulder injury which could sideline her for the rest of the claycourt season.
Being a semifinalist in Rome last year, the 64th-ranked Russian will lose 195 ranking points. This means, she’ll be ranked in the 80’s by the end of next week.
The last time Sharapova played a singles match was last August in Canada. She made a brief return last month at Indian Wells via the doubles event but lost in the first round.
There’s still no indication if she’ll take part in this year’s Roland Garros.
