Former world number one Maria Sharapova’s plans to return to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour have once again been delayed.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has pulled out of the upcoming Open GDF SUEZ and Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships because of continued shoulder trouble.
According to a spokeperson from the Paris tournament, Sharapova is still trying to recover from the injury that has sidelined her since the summer of 2008.
“I confirm she will not be there, she will not be taking part in the Dubai tournament the following week,” said a tournament official on Wednesday.
Sharapova’s right shoulder injury caused her to miss the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2008 US Open, and the 2008 season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Championships. She did not defend her 2008 Australian Open title last month in Melbourne and has subsequently fallen to No. 17 on the Tour rankings.
