Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the China Open due to injury.

The defending champion and world number three Sharapova retired from her first-round match with Barbora Strycova at the Wuhan Open on Monday due to discomfort in her left forearm.

Sharapova had previously not played since the semi-final of Wimbledon due to a leg problem.

And the five-time grand slam champion has opted not to aggravate the injury to her arm by attempting to retain the title she won in China last year.

Sharapova said in a statement: "I am very disappointed to have to pull out of the China Open this year and not have the chance to defend my title.

"I look forward to returning to Beijing next year."