The end-of-season WTA Championships in the Turkish city of Istanbul is a ladies exclusive tennis championship in which top 9 women tennis players participate eah year in the month of October.
Her shoulder injury also resulted in her missing the US Open.
However, she has improved upon her shoulder injury and says on her Facebook page:
"On the bright side, my shoulder has really improved in the last week, and I can finally begin my strength rehab, before getting back on the court again. I will start my off-season preparations early and use my exhibition matches in the month of December in Bogota, Mexico City and Thailand to get some matches going."
Sharapova's withdrawal means former champion Petra Kvitova, Sara Errani and Jelena Jankovic all qualify for Istanbul. They will join Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska and Li Na - who had all already booked their places - at the eight-woman event, which begins on 22 October.
Sharapova beat Serena Williams 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 in 2004 - while Serena took her revenge in 2012 by beating Maria 6–4, 6–3. That means this year, Serena will have some other proponent to face her in the finals.
Sharapova beat Serena Williams 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 in 2004 - while Serena took her revenge in 2012 by beating Maria 6–4, 6–3. That means this year, Serena will have some other proponent to face her in the finals.
