Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from what had been due to be her opening match of the new season.
The French Open champion has hurt her neck and subsquently has withdrawn from a scheduled exhibition match against Caroline Wozniacki in Seoul, South Korea.
The pair had been due to meet on Friday (December 28) as part of their warm-up plans for next month’s Australian Open. The event has been cancelled with both players now heading for Australia.
Sharapova wrote on her Facebook page: “For everyone in Korea, I’m sorry I had to withdraw from my exhibition match.
“I woke up the other day with a neck pain and after doing a few tests, the doctor wants me to take the next few days without any playing.
“So that leaves me to say I’m sorry not to be there in Seoul and play in front of my fans. I will make it up to you soon!”
Sharapova is now scheduled to start her season at the Brisbane International, a WTA tournament which begins on Sunday.
