Injury Woes Force Maria Sharapova to Miss Linz Open 2019

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova has been forced to pull out of the Linz Open 2019 in Austria due to a shoulder injury. The tournament director of the Linz Open confirmed that the Russian star will miss this year’s event due to pain in her shoulders.

“Of course, I’m very sorry that Maria can’t come to Linz but I understand because the health of the player has to have priority,” tournament director Sandra Reichel said.

Maria Sharapova has not played competitive tennis since her first-round exit at the US Open, where she was defeated 6-1, 6-1 by arch-rivals Serena Williams. The Russian has also not participated in the European event since she claimed the trophy in 2006.

Earlier, Maria Sharapova said after confirming her participation at the Linz Open 2019, “I have so many great memories of the Linz tournament and I am really excited to be coming back to see many of my amazing fans. I am very appreciative of the tournament and the sponsors and just very excited to play.”

While Maria Sharapova has confirmed her participation at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in December. She said: “I can’t wait to see everyone in Abu Dhabi in December. It’s an honor to be part of this championship and to be involved in only the third women’s match in Mubadala World Tennis Championship history.”

The Upper Austria ladies International indoor hard court event in Linz is scheduled from 7th October 2019 to 13th October 2019. Petra Kvitova has been awarded the no.1 seed at the 33rd edition of the event. The International event offers a whopping prize money of $250,000 to its participants.

On the other hand, Jessica Pegula and Marketa Vondrousova have also been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury. The two players will be replaced by Lesia Tsurenko and Tashkent champion Alison Van Uytvanck respectively.