Maria Sharapova pulls out of Stanford with left arm soreness

Citing left arm soreness, Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford.

The five-time Grand Slam champion made the announcement on Wednesday.

“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.”

Sharapova, ranked 171st, defeated Jennifer Brady, 6-1, 4-6, 6-0, in her opener on Monday. This was the first WTA tournament she had played in the United States since 2015.

The Russian was slated to play seventh-seeded Lesia Tsurenko on Wednesday. With the walkover, Tsurenko will face either Madison Keys or Caroline Dolehide in the quarterfinals.

“This is definitely tough for Maria,” Bank of the West Classic tournament director Vickie Gunnarsson said. “She has so many fans, which was evident by the support she received here on Monday night. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the court soon.”

The 30-year-old, who returned to the tour in April following a 15-month drug suspension, is now 6-4 on the season. This was just her fourth tournament of 2017, and first since Rome, after not receiving a French Open wild card and skipping the grass-court season to recover from a left thigh injury.

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