Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Birmingham Classic at Edgbaston as she rests ahead of Wimbledon.

The 31-year-old, a two-time winner of the tournament, has suffered an injury-plagued start to the season and feels she needs extra time to recuperate ahead of the year’s third grand slam.

“I have good memories of Birmingham so I’m disappointed not to be able to play this year,” Sharapova said.

“I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy and sometimes that means you have to take tough decisions like this one.”

Last year’s runner-up Ashleigh Barty will line up as part of a field that boasts Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, two-time All England champion Petra Kvitova and former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova.

The tournament proper commences on Monday after weekend qualifying and runs until June 24.