INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, USA – Former World No.1 Maria Sharapova announced that she would be unable to participate in the upcoming BNP Paribas Open due to an ongoing left forearm injury that saw her miss the Middle East Swing.

“I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year’s BNP Paribas Open,” she said. “I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100% ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorites on the WTA and so close to my home in LA. I know the tournament will be a great success this year and I will be anxious to return next year and hopefully many years after.”

A two-time winner in Indian Wells (2006, 2013), Sharapova pulled out of the Brisbane International to start the season due to pain in her left forearm, and though she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the Russian has not played a match since.

With her withdrawal, Mariana Duque-Mariño moves into the main draw.

Due to a forearm injury, @MariaSharapova is out of #BNPPO16. “I'm extremely disappointed.” https://t.co/Cdfw4Uuv9g pic.twitter.com/vOPkCpf1du

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 3, 2016