Sharapova and Keys Withdraw From Wimbledon Tuneup

June 14, 2018 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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Maria Sharapova and American Madison Keys, a 2018 French Open finalist, have withdrawn from the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham, England. The event takes place June 18-24, just weeks before the start of Wimbledon.

Sharapova said she needed rest after reaching the French Open quarterfinals. Keys, who just finished a run to the finals of the 2018 French Open, cited an abdominal injury suffered at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome in May.

“I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy, and sometimes that means you have to make tough decisions like this one,” said a cautious Sharapova, who last year, was forced to skip the grass court season with a thigh injury. “I wish everyone in Birmingham a great tournament.”

Keys said, “Everyone knows how much I love playing on grass and I was looking forward to starting my grass season there, but unfortunately, I aggravated an injury I sustained in Rome and need to rest as much as I can right now. I look forward to returning to Birmingham next year and playing in front of its great fans.”


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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