Sharapova pulls out of Indian Wells with forearm injury

The injury bug has developed a taste for Maria Sharapova.

The world No. 7, who hasn't played since losing to Serena Williams in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in January, has pulled out of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. with a left forearm injury.

Sharapova says the injury has been bothering her all season - it also forced her out of the Brisbane International, just before the Aussie Open - and she wants to be fully healthy next time she takes the court.

"I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year's BNP Paribas Open," she said in a statement Thursday. "I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100 percent ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorite events on the WTA and so close to my home in L.A. 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."

Despite losing to Williams for the 18th straight time, Sharapova had a strong tournament in Melbourne, setting a new career high for aces in a match and picking up her 600th tour-level win on her way to the quarters. But that was a rare bright spot in what's been a trying eight months for the five-time Slam champion.

She's played just three tournaments since last year's Wimbledon (which also ended with a loss to Williams, this time in the semis) due to a litany of ailments, namely a knee injury that forced her to skip the US Open.

Having made the Round of 16 at Indian Wells last year, where she lost to eventual champion Flavia Pennetta, Sharapova will lose 120 rankings points for missing this year's event. She could drop to as low as No. 10 in the world after the tournament.