Russia’s Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Australian Open, she announced on Sunday.

The 2008 Australian Open champion said she was making steady progress from a shoulder injury but was not fit enough to compete in the first grand slam of the year, starting January 19.

“I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year’s Australian Open,” she said in a statement.

“My shoulder is doing great but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels.”

Sharapova won her first Australian Open title last year when she beat Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic in the final at Melbourne Park but has not played since August.