By Daily Sports on May 16, 2019

Former French Open champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from this year’s tournament because of her long-standing shoulder problem.

The 32-year-old world number 35 has not played since pulling out of an event in her native Russia at the end of January and had a small operation in February.

“Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones,” the five-time Grand Slam winner said.

This year’s French Open begins on 26 May and runs to 9 June.

Sharapova, who won the French title in 2012 and 2014, returned to the tour in April 2017 after a 15-month ban for taking the banned drug meldonium.

She reached the French Open quarter-finals last year, losing 6-2 6-1 to third seed Garbine Muguruza.

In the opening Grand Slam of this year, the Russian lost to Australia's Ashleigh Barty in the round of 16.

“In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder,” she posted on her Instagram account, alongside a picture of her lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2014. (BBC)

•Photo shows Maria Sharapova 

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 16, 2019

Conte wants more Chelsea signings

Chelsea vs Man Utd: Palmer, Fernandes battle in...

2019 African Games: FG Assures Athletes of Adequate...

Rashford would like to play at Barcelona with...

Arsenal Players Reject Wage Cuts

City won't lose title focus - Guardiola