Sharapova withdraws from French Open due to shoulder problem

Two-time French Open winner Sharapova hasn't recovered from a shoulder injury

Sharapova withdraws from French Open due to shoulder problem [File] Five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova | Reuters
Maria Sharapova's Instagram story Maria Sharapova's Instagram story

Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the French Open after struggling with a shoulder injury since January, the five-time grand slam champion announced.

The former world number one announced her decision to not participate at Roland Garros with a post on her Instagram stories.

“Withdrawing from the French Open today. Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones,” she posted. “In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder. I'll really miss you Paris, until next year.”

Sharapova, a two-time French Open champion, suffered a shoulder injury in January and had undergone surgery in February. The Russian hadn't recovered from the surgery and hasn't played since then.

The French Open starts in Paris on May 26.