Sharapova undergoes ‘small procedure’

Maria Sharapova has undergone a ‘small procedure’

Maria Sharapova has undergone a “small procedure” on her right shoulder that will need a few weeks to heal, requiring her to pull out of next month’s Miami Open.

Sharapova has struggled since last summer with shoulder pain caused by a fraying tendon and small labrum tear. She tried unsuccessfully to solve the problem with exercise.

“Although this has been a very long process, I am incredibly committed to getting back strong, and more importantly without the pain I was playing with at the beginning of this year,” she wrote on Instagram.

The five-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t played since pulling out of the St Petersburg Ladies’ Trophy in late January after winning her first-round match.

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