Maria Sharapova Injury: Updates on Tennis Star's Forearm and Return

Scott PolacekMar 3, 2016

Tennis star Maria Sharapova is dealing with a forearm injury that has been plaguing her since the start of the season in January. It's unclear when she'll return to the court.

Continue for updates.

Sharapova Withdraws from Indian Wells

Thursday, March 3

"I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year's BNP Paribas Open," Sharapova said, per ESPN's Matt Wilansky. She continued:

"
I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100 percent ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorite events on the WTA and so close to my home in L.A. I know the tournament will be a great success this year, and I will be anxious to return next year and hopefully many years after.
"

Injuries Continue to Hamper Sharapova's Greatness

This is yet another injury for Sharapova, who dealt with physical concerns throughout her 2015 campaign.

She missed the 2015 U.S. Open and warm-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati because of a leg injury she suffered following Wimbledon. She also withdrew with a forearm injury at the Wuhan Open in her first match after her Wimbledon loss to Serena Williams. The forearm issues lingered into the 2016 campaign.

What’s more, Sharapova missed the 2013 and 2008 U.S. Opens with shoulder injuries.

While the Russian has dealt with physical concerns during her career and often takes a backseat to Williams’ overall dominance, she is still one of the best players in the world. She is a five-time major winner and reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semifinals in 2015.

She is a threat to win any tournament she enters and is consistently among the top-ranked players in the Women’s Tennis Association.

However, Sharapova’s 29th birthday is in April, and the physical setbacks are certainly a concern as she potentially hits the latter stages of her prime. It is difficult to envision her adding many more Grand Slam titles to her resume if injuries continue to sap her effectiveness and ability to remain on the court as she gets older.