Stuttgart hit by withdrawals as Sharapova delays comeback

Maria Sharapova's return from shoulder injury has been delayed, with the Russian announcing that she will not be playing Stuttgart.

Sharapova had taken a wildcard into the event, indicating she was aiming to come back there from a surgical procedure on the shoulder two months ago.

"I am making very good progress but just not ready to compete at the highest level," she said in a statement.

Sharapova, who has already had a significant shoulder surgery in her career, had described the injury as a "surgically repaired fraying tendon and a small labrum tear" that had been bothering her for some time and not been fixed by rehab.

She has not played since St. Petersburg.

Other withdrawals from Stuttgart include No. 6 Elina Svitolina and No. 8 Sloane Stephens, according to the WTA Tour.

Svitolina announced that she would take a break following her exit in Miami with a knee injury that had been affecting her for some weeks.

"I have been strongly recommended by doctors to take my time and let it heal. I will do everything that’s in my power to speed up my recovery and come back healthier," she said.

Stephens is playing Fed Cup this week, with Stuttgart next week on indoor clay.

Angelique Kerber, the hometown favorite, is also in some doubt for Stuttgart, having withdrawn from Fed Cup with illness.

The tournament was scheduled to have eight of the top 10 players.