US Open 2015: Maria Sharapova withdraws from Flushing Meadows with leg injury

Maria Sharapova has confirmed that she will not compete at the 2015 US Open at Flushing Meadows after failing to recover sufficiently from a leg injury. The world number three has not played since losing 6-2, 6-4to eventual champion Serena Williams in the semi-finals at Wimbledon last month. She was previously forced to withdraw from Rogers Cup duty in Montreal and also missed the recent Cincinnati Masters tournament.

In a statement released via her official Facebook page, Sharapova wrote: "Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in this years US Open. I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time. To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong."

The five-time major winner will be replaced in the women's draw by fellow Russian Daria Kasatkina, who will face Daria Gavrilova in round one on 1 September. Sharapova won her solitary US Open crown in 2006, when she beat Justine Henin in straight sets. The 28-year-old also pulled out of the tournament two years ago after suffering recurring pain in her serving shoulder following a second-place finish at Roland Garros.