Maria Sharapova Hit With Another Setback After Australian Open 2020 Loss

The five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova continues with her substandard run on the WTA Tour. She began her season with losing consecutive matches. During the Australian summer, she just pulled off a set against qualifier Jennifer Brady.

Certainly, Sharapova’s injuries have imploded her tennis career. The Russian has pulled out from her home country event WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy due to her prolonged shoulder injury. 

Tournament’s CEO’s statement

“There is, unfortunately, one unpleasant news — the state of health of Maria Sharapova, with whom we had the agreement to participate, unfortunately, will not allow her to play on St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy,” the CEO of the event, Alexander Medvedev said.

Sharapova was looking forward to participating there. Last year, she won a match in St. Petersburg against Daria Gavrilova. “She really wanted to come again, I’m not exaggerating, but the state of her shoulder as a result of participation in two tournaments in Australia will not allow this to be done. Team Maria took a break, and on Sunday, her representative has officially informed us of the decision,” the CEO added.

Her shoulder injury is pestering her for a long time now. In 2019, Sharapova called off her entire clay season due to the excruciating pain in the shoulder.

She resumed her tour in Mallorca, and post that the former World Number one amassed just two victories on the WTA circuit. After winning just three matches over the span of 12 months, Sharapova will be ranked 366th in the world. 

Maria Sharapova’s stay in Melbourne

At Australian Open 2020, Maria Sharapova lost to the 19th seed Donna Vekic. It was Vekic’s first victory over the Russian champion. Sharapova was awarded a wildcard for the Melbourne major. However, participating in the qualifying rounds would have given her match practice and hopefully a few wins over the WTA professionals.

“I was fortunate to get myself to be here and thanks to Craig (Tiley) and the team, allowing me to be part of this event. It’s tough for me to tell what’s going to happen in 12 months’ time,” she said after her 6-3, 6-4 loss to the Croatian Vekic.