Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a ball to Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic during the International Tennis Federation Fed Cup final match between Czech Republic and Russia on November 15, 2015 in Prague. Maria Sharapova took Russia within a point of winning the Fed Cup after coming back from a set down to beat Petra Kvitova in a tense final rubber in Prague. AFP PHOTO / MICHAL CIZEK (Photo credit should read MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images)

Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Brisbane International.

The world No.4 has been forced out of the tournament due to a left forearm injury.

Sharapova announced on Tuesday that she will pull out of the tournament in order to ensure she is fully fit for the Australian Open, starting on January 18.