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Maria Sharapova injury a blow to Aegon Classic's hopes of bumper TV figures

Maria Sharapova injury a blow to Aegon Classic's hopes of bumper TV figures as tournament remains on course for record ticket sales.

Maria Sharapova is set to play in the upcoming Aegon Classic in Birmingham

However the Russian is struggling to be fit and her participation is in doubt

A withdrawal would be a blow to broadcasters Eurosport and attendance figures

By MIKE DICKSON FOR THE DAILY MAIL 

PUBLISHED: 22:38 BST, 9 June 2017 | UPDATED: 00:43 BST, 10 June 2017

Maria Sharapova is said to be struggling to be fit to play in the Aegon Classic a week on Monday.

She has been given a wildcard entry by the LTA but two well-placed sources say the leg injury that forced her to retire during the Italian Open last month is putting her participation in doubt.

Sharapova's absence would come as a huge blow to the Birmingham tournament's organisers and broadcasters, with plans in place to show the Wimbledon warm-up on TV.

Eurosport own the exclusive rights to the event and the Russian would attract a large audience. The Aegon Classic is also on course for record ticket sales.

Sharapova, who won the title in Birmingham in 2004 and 2005, has served a 15-month suspension for taking the banned drug meldonium. She is now ranked 178 in the world.

Wimbledon are believed to be monitoring the situation as she is due to play at their qualifying event at Roehampton the week after.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4590000/Maria-Sharapova-injury-blow-Aegon-Classic.html