Maria Sharapova's comeback from injury ended in disappointment as she was forced to retire with a wrist complaint in the deciding set of her second-round match against Barbora Strycova at the Wuhan Open.

World number three Sharapova, handed a wildcard entry in China, had not featured in a competitive match since losing to Serena Williams in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July due to a leg injury.

The issue kept the Russian out of the US Open, but she returned to court on Monday and was level in an epic match against Strycova - winning the first set 7-6 (7-1) before being pegged back in the second 6-7 (4-7).

However, Sharapova needed treatment on her wrist and forearm and, although she managed to hold serve for a 2-1 lead in the decider, had to call time on the match.