Five-times grand slam champion and tennis world number three Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the U.S. Open due to a leg injury.
The Russian five times grand slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova. Photo: Photosport
The 28-year-old Russian has not played a match since losing to Serena Williams in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July and withdrew from hardcourt tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati in August, citing a right leg strain.
"Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in this year's US Open," she tweeted.
"I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time. To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong."
It marks the second time in three years that the 2006 champion has withdrawn from the year's last grand slam event.
The U.S. Tennis Association said that Russian Daria Kasatkina is the lucky loser who will replace Sharapova in the main draw.
The year's final grand slam begins overnight, with world number one's Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams in first round action.
