Maria Sharapova practicing again, but withdraws from Hong Kong

Maria Sharapova was supposed to finally make her comeback from shoulder injury at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, but the Russian hasn’t had sufficient training to compete at the high level this event demands. However, the Australian Open champion is hitting tennis balls again, and the injury should be a thing of the past.

I miss competing so much. I am trying to do everything possible to be ready for Australia, but I have promised my doctors, coach and family that I will not rush back. Since I only started practicing 16 days ago,  I have only been able to practice so many hours at a time which is why I don’t feel like I am ready to compete at a high level right now and this is why I need to pull out of the exhibition in Hong Kong.

In her latest doodle, Sharapova explains in detail how she was healing her injury. In short, she was working on her strength and on building up all the muscles around her shoulder with shoulder rehab specialist in Arizona for 10 weeks. However, the pain didn’t go away. Then she resorted to plan B, which was a minor arthroscopic surgery that lasted 22 minutes. The procedure was successful, and after 14 days she had full range of motion.

I know my shoulder will be 100 percent by Australia, I just need to see if I have enough tennis training to be ready for that level.

Anna Chakvetadze will play instead of Sharapova at the JB Group Classic. Replacing Sharapova as Team Russia’s Captain will be Vera Zvonareva. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)