Maria Sharapova pulls out of Miami because of shoulder procedure
Sharapova was impressive at the Australian Open, but she retired after the first round in St. Petersburg late in January.
MIAMI (AP) — Maria Sharapova says she has undergone a "small procedure" on her right shoulder that will need a few weeks to heal, requiring her to pull out of next month's Miami Open.
Sharapova said she has struggled since last summer with shoulder pain caused by a fraying tendon and small labrum tear. She tried unsuccessfully to solve the problem with exercise.
"Although this has been a very long process, I am incredibly committed to getting back strong, and more importantly without the pain I was playing with at the beginning of this year," she wrote Wednesday on Instagram.
The five-time Grand Slam champion hasn't played since pulling out of a tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia, in late January after winning her first-round match. She won three matches at the Australian Open and is ranked 29th.
More AP Tennis: https://www.apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports