Maria Sharapova has announced her withdrawal from next week’s China Open in Beijing, citing a left forearm injury that had forced her to retire two days earlier from the Wuhan Open.

The world No.3 has been plagued by injury since losing the Wimbledon semi-final to Serena Williams in July.

“I am very disappointed to have to pull out of the China Open this year and not have the chance to defend my title,” Sharapova said on Wednesday in a statement.

The Russian had been hoping to launch a comeback at the Wuhan Open after missing three events, including the US Open, with a leg injury.

But she lasted less than three sets against against unseeded Barbora Strycova, retiring with a new left forearm injury.

Sharapova’s withdrawal from the China Open leaves a question mark over whether she will be fit to play the year-ending WTA Finals in Singapore late next month.