

Former champion and World No. 3 Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open due to a leg injury that would not heal in time to allow her to compete. It's the second time in the last three years that Sharapova has been forced to miss the last major of the season. In 2013 Sharapova withdrew, citing a right shoulder injury.



Sharapova will be replaced by fellow Russian Darya Kasatkina in the draw. The 18-year-old Russian won the French Open junior title in 2014 and is currently ranked 133 in the world.



Sharapova, who has not played since Wimbledon due to the injury, says she plans to return for the Asian swing later this autumn.