Former world number one Maria Sharapova has been forced to retire from her opening match at the Wuhan Open due to injury.

The 28-year-old pulled out early in the third set of Monday afternoon's meeting against Barbora Strycova in China - her first outing since losing to Serena Williams in the semi-finals of Wimbledon in July.

Sharapova has been struggling with a leg problem of late, although a problem with her left wrist appears to be reason behind the premature exit.

Having won the first set, the Russian pro was pulled back in the second to pave the way for a decider, but the injury got the better of her and Strycova progresses through as a result.