Maria Sharapova injury a blow to Aegon Classic's hopes of bumper TV figures as tournament remains on course for record ticket sale                                           Maria Sharapova is said to be struggling to be fit to play in the Aegon Classic a week on Monday.

She has been given a wildcard entry by the LTA but two well-placed sources say the leg injury that forced her to retire during the Italian Open last month is putting her participation in doubt.

Sharapova's absence would come as a huge blow to the Birmingham tournament's organisers and broadcasters, with plans in place to show the Wimbledon warm-up on TV.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Eurosport own the exclusive rights to the event and the Russian would attract a large audience. The Aegon Classic is also on course for record ticket sales.

Sharapova, who won the title in Birmingham in 2004 and 2005, has served a 15-month suspension for taking the banned drug meldonium. She is now ranked 178 in the world.

Wimbledon are believed to be monitoring the situation as she is due to play at their qualifying event at Roehampton the week after.