Maria Sharapova not to play in Stanford Classic

Maria Sharapova of Russia receives treatment during her Ladies’ Singles second round match against Michelle Larcher de Brito

Russian tennis ace and world no.2 Maria Sharapova will not feature in WTA Tour Stanford Classic which is scheduled to start next week due to injury.

Sharapova suffered a hip injury in the recently-concluded Wimbledon.

According to tournament director Kim Hall, Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium has also pulled out of the WTA event, though no reasons have been given for her withdrawal.

Sharapova and Flipkens will be replaced by Daniela Hantuchova and Christina McHale respectively.

The tournament will feature several top players including Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and Agnieszka Radwanska, among others. The tournament will be held from July 22-28.