Maria Sharapova forced to withdraw from 2013 Bank of the West Classic

Written by: Staff on 15th July 2013

Maria Sharapova forced to withdraw from 2013 Bank of the West Classic

epa03761544 Maria Sharapova of Russia gives a press conference following defeat at the hands of Michelle Larcher De Brito of Portugal in their second round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 26 June 2013. EPA/AELTC / Chris Raphael |

Former Stanford star Mallory Burdette granted Wild Card

STANFORD, Calif. (www.BankOfTheWestClassic.com) – World No. 2 Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from the 2013 Bank of the West Classic due to a left hip injury suffered during Wimbledon.

“We are disappointed for our fans that Maria (Sharapova) won’t be able to attend this year’s Bank of the West Classic but unfortunately injuries are a part of the sport and we understand that a player’s health must always come first,” said Bank of the West Classic Tournament Director Kim Hall. “We wish her a speedy recovery and hope she is able to return to the court soon.”

The tournament was also notified today that Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium has also withdrawn.

With the withdrawals former World No. 4 Daniela Hantuchova and up-and-coming American Christina McHale receive main draw entries.

The Bank of the West Classic still boasts a strong player field including reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, current World No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska, 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur and 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.

In addition, the Bank of the West Classic announced today that it has granted a main draw wildcard to former Stanford All-American Mallory Burdette. Burdette, who turned professional shortly after last year’s Bank of the West Classic, reached the third round of last year’s US Open and has risen quickly up the world rankings. She is currently No. 78.

Tickets for the 2013 Bank of the West Classic, which will be held July 22-28 at the Taube Family Tennis Stadium on the campus of Stanford University, can be purchased by calling the box office at 866-WTA-TIXS (866-982-8497) or by logging on to www.BankoftheWestClassic.com.

In addition to individual-session tickets, the Bank of the West Classic is also offering several weekend packages starting at just $255.

Full-week packages start at just $595 and include tickets to all 13 sessions, a pass to the exclusive Plaza Club and an invitation to the Meet the Players Party. Those who purchase a pair of seats will also receive a weeklong VIP parking pass.

The Bank of the West Classic, a Premier WTA event, features a 28-player singles draw as well as a 16-team doubles draw. The event is owned and operated by IMG and serves as the opening women’s event of the Emirates Airline US Open Series.

The list of past champions of the event reads like a Who’s Who of women’s tennis including Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andrea Jaeger, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters.

The Bank of the West Classic offers several different seat options with prices to fit everyone’s budget so reserve your seats today. Qualifying will be held July 20-21 and is free to the public.

Log on to www.BankoftheWestClassic.com for more information.

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TheSportBird says:

July 15, 2013 at 9:49 pm

RT @KimClijstersPro: Maria Sharapova forced to withdraw from 2013 Bank of the West Classic http://t.co/L9N3pfUqFv