Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from this years US Open in Flushing Meadows. The Russian announced her decision on the eve of the tournament. The world number three had been struggling leading up to Wimbledon, and has not played a match since the last grand slam. Her current ailment is believed to be related to the knee injury suffered at that tournament, and also appears to be currently effecting her ankle.

The Russian star apologized to her fans and announced her withdrawal on Facebook, saying “Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in this years US Open. I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time. To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong”

Her first round match was scheduled to be tomorrow against Daria Gavrilova. Sharapova has suggested she will be back in a few weeks for the Asian hard court swing. If her injury has recovered in time there is no reason to suggest she will not keep to her word.

Pulling out before the tournament started gives her spot to a lucky loser from the qualifying rounds, the beneficiary of this is Daria Kasatkina another Russian. This also opens up this part of the draw for someone other than Sharapova to meet Serena Williams in the semi-final. It is a great opportunity for players such as Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, or Elina Svitolina. In another scenario, perhaps Heather Watson could land a rematch of their meeting at Wimbledon, where the Brit was serving for the match against Williams, before Williams hit back and won the match over the distance.

The withdrawl of the #3 ranked woman and fan favorite will be a big disappointment for organizers and Sharapova fans, but it certainly sets up some interesting matches in the next few days.

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Main photo via Getty Images.