Maria Sharapova forced to withdraw from BNP Paribas Open with shoulder injury

Palm Springs Desert Sun

The BNP Paribas Open announced Wednesday that one of its most recognizable players has withdrawn.

Maria Sharapova, the 2006 and 2013 champion at Indian Wells, has withdrawn from this year's tournament because of a right shoulder injury, according to the tournament's social media.

Sharapova, who has climbed back up the rankings to No. 27 after missing 15 months due to a suspension for using a banned substance, mentioned having shoulder issues during the Australian Open in January. She made it to the Round of 16 in Australia and then withdrew from a follow-up event in St. Petersburg after one match.

She missed the 2016 and 2017 BNP Paribas Open tournaments because of the suspensions. She returned last year, but lost her first match of the event to eventual champion Naomi Osaka.

Maria Sharapova, of Russia, during her first set with Naomi Osaka of Japan on the 1st Wednesday of the BNP Paribas Open on March 7, 2018 in Indian Wells, CA.

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Sharapova is one of only 10 women in tennis history to have completed the career Grand Slam, having won all four majors at least once.

With Sharapova's withdrawal, Germany's Mona Barthel moves into the main draw.