Sharapova Ousted in 2nd Round by Qualifier

(AP) Sharapova ousted in 2nd round by qualifier
By STEPHEN WILSON
AP Sports Writer
LONDON
Maria Sharapova has been knocked out of Wimbledon by a 131st-ranked qualifier on a day when injuries forced the withdrawal of seven other players.

The third-seeded Sharapova, the Wimbledon champion in 2004 champion, lost 6-3, 6-4 to Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal in the second round at the All England Club.

It’s the second significant upset of the tournament, which is only in Day 3. Two-time men’s champion Rafael Nadal was beaten on Monday by 135th-ranked Steve Darcis.

Sharapova slipped and fell several times on the grass on Court 2 and received medical treatment from the trainer in the second set.

The women’s tournament also lost second-seeded Victoria Azarenka, who withdrew before her match with a knee injury. Sharapova and Azarenka had been considered the main challengers to five-time champion Serena Williams.