World No3 Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from the forthcoming US Open due to a shoulder injury.
Sharapova, a former US Open winner in 2006, posted a message on Facebook announcing her decision to withdraw from the final major of the year.
She said: "I just wanted to let you know that withdrawing from the US Open has been a really tough decision to make. I have done everything I could since Wimbledon to get myself ready but it just wasn't enough time.
"It's certainly not an easy decision to make ahead of one of my favorite tournaments, but I know it's the right one that will get me back on the courts soon."
The news rounds off a disappointing week for the Russian star after she split from coach Jimmy Connors after just one match.
Under Connor's tutelage Sharapova lost to American minnow Sloane Stephens at the Cincinnati Open, with the Russian clocking up 62 unforced errors in the demoralising defeat which eventually led to her parting ways with Connors.
The tournament organisers expressed their disappointment at Sharapova's withdrawal and were quick to wish her a speedy recovery.
A statement from US Open tournament director David Brewer said: "Maria has informed us that she will be unable to compete at the US Open this year due to a right shoulder bursitis and has withdrawn from the tournament. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to New York next year."
The absence of the world's richest female athlete is undoubtedly a major blow for tournament directors. Sharapova has a strong following in New York and the fact she will not be competing this year will come as a great disappointment to her huge fan base.
Sharapova's withdrawal also ends the potential PR stunt of changing her name to 'Sugarpova' for the the tournament, the concept was proposed by the Russian in order to promote her new sweet company.
The news also means that the Russian will finish the year without winning one of the year's four majors , a stat that will no doubt disappoint her after she lifted the French Open title last year to complete her career grand slam.
One person who will be buoyed by Sharapova's absence is world No1 Serena Williams, who is looking to defend her US crown and win her 16th grand slam title.
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