INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 3, 2016 – World No. 7 Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open due to a left forearm injury, it was announced today by CEO Raymond Moore.

“I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year’s BNP Paribas Open,” said Sharapova. “I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100% ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorite events on the WTA and so close to my home in LA.  I know the tournament will be a great success this year and I will be anxious to return next year and hopefully many years after.”

“We are disappointed that Maria is unable to play in this year’s BNP Paribas Open as she is a terrific competitor and a fan favorite in Indian Wells,” said Moore. “We wish her a speedy recovery, and look forward to having her back next year.”

With Sharapova’s withdrawal, Mariana Duque-Marino moves into the main draw.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www. bnpparibasopen.com, call 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit the box office at 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92 210.

About the BNP Paribas Open

The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world, and is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The site underwent a significant expansion in 2014 that included a new permanent Stadium 2 with 8,000  seats and three restaurants, including world-renowned Nobu; four more practice courts, an additional 19,000  square foot shade structure, and more. The tournament offers more than $10 million in prize money, and is the only event to provide the Hawkeye line challenge system on all match courts, including qualifying rounds. In 2015, more than 456,000  people attended the event. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www. bnpparibasopen.com, call 800-999-1585 or visit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden box office at 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92 210.