Maria Sharapova’s injury woes continue as she pulls out of Indian Wells

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Maria Sharapova looking dejected

Former two-time BNP Paribas Open winner Maria Sharapova will miss this year’s tournament due to injury.

The five-time Grand Slam winner has struggled with shoulder problems throughout her career, but it has become more common in recent months and will keep her out of the Indian Wells event.

She was forced to call a premature end to her 2018 season and, after making a confident start to the 2019 season by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open, her injury woes struck again at the St Petersburg Open.

After winning her opening match in Russia, a shoulder injury forced her to pull out of her second-round clash and she has been sidelined ever since.

“I saw [my doctor] at the beginning of December, and he says it’s a day-by-day pain management situation,” she said after the Australian Open.

“It’s definitely been an issue for the majority of last year and going into this year, as well, but it’s something that…I’m still working through.”

She will now also miss the Premier Mandatory event in the United States with organisers confirming her withdrawal on Twitter.

“We will miss Maria this year and hope to see her back at Indian Wells next year!” they posted.

German Mona Barthel moves into the main draw of the tournament, which runs from March 4-17.

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