Women's Tennis Association's former world No.1 Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday due to a left forearm injury that she has struggled with all season.

The said injury has bothered the popular five-time grand slam winner since the start of the year. The 28-year-old Russian has not played since yielding to World No. 1 Serena Williams of the United States in the Australian Open in January.

Like Us on Facebook

"I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year's BNP Paribas Open," Sharapova, a 2012 Summer Olympics silver medalist in women's singles, said in a statement to the Larry Ellison-owned tennis tournament. "I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100 percent ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorite events on the WTA and so close to my home in L.A. 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."

Sharapova joins the ATP's world No. 3 Roger Federer of Switzerland on the sidelines for the first leg of the Indians Well-Miami double.

Last week, 34-year-old Federer withdrew to continue his rehab from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Sharapova currently holds the world rank of No.7; she held the highest spot on August 22, 2005. The Nyagan-born tennis ace plays right handed (double handed backhand).

She started the sport at the early age of four and turned professional when she was 14 years old. The tennis superstar is currently being coached by her father Youri Sharapov and Michael Joyce.

Sharapova is still scheduled to play the Miami Open, which begins on March 23.

TagsMaria Sharapova, ITF, wta