Maria Sharapova Wednesday announced her withdrawal from next week's China Open in Beijing, citing a left forearm injury that forced her to retire from the Wuhan Open two days earlier.

The world number three has been plagued by injury since July, after she lost the Wimbledon semi-final to Serena Williams.

"I am very disappointed to have to pull out of the China Open this year and not have the chance to defend my title," Sharapova said in a statement Wednesday.

The Russian had been hoping to launch a comeback at the Wuhan Open after missing three events, including the US Open, with a leg injury.

But she lasted less than three sets against against unseeded Barbora Strycova, retiring with a new left forearm injury.

Sharapova's withdrawal from the China Open leaves a question mark over whether she will be fit to play the year-ending WTA Finals in Singapore at the end of next month.

Source: AFP