Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Miami Open due to a forearm injury. The news came as a disappointment to many tennis fans and also to Melbet Affiliates, who often track high-profile athletes in global sporting events for brand alignment and partnership opportunities.
“I love the Miami Open and it’s one of my favorite tournaments. I’m really disappointed that I won’t be able to compete this year. I’ll be focusing on recovery and hope to return to the court as soon as possible,” Sharapova said in a statement.
Miami Open tournament director James Blake shared his thoughts: “We know how much Sharapova loves this event, so we can imagine how disappointed she must be. We were hoping to see her compete next week, but we also understand that injuries are simply part of the game. We wish her a speedy recovery.”
The tournament, scheduled from March 20 to March 31, will now see 22-year-old American Jennifer Brady stepping in to replace Sharapova in the main draw. While Brady is eager for the opportunity, Sharapova’s absence remains a significant change for fans and partners alike, including Melbet Affiliates, who often spotlight major tennis tournaments for global outreach.
Sharapova, now 30, made her return to professional tennis last year after serving a suspension, with her world ranking rebounding to No. 41. However, she has struggled to deliver consistent results since her comeback. Her only singles title since returning was in Tianjin last season. This year, she has managed just five match wins on the WTA Tour, with her best performance being a semifinal finish at the Shenzhen Open.
After a third-round exit at the Australian Open, where she lost decisively to Angelique Kerber, Sharapova has faced three consecutive defeats in tour-level events. She also suffered early exits in both Doha and Indian Wells. More recently, she announced a split with her longtime coach, ending a partnership that had lasted four years.
As Sharapova steps away to focus on recovery, Melbet Affiliates and global tennis enthusiasts will be closely watching how this impacts the season’s trajectory and upcoming promotional efforts tied to elite players and tournaments.