Maria Sharapova pulls out of U.S. Open with injury

NEW YORK — With Maria Sharapova out of the U.S. Open, the top half of the draw is now even more of an opportunity for Serena Williams.

Sharapova withdrew Sunday with a right leg injury, after not having played since Wimbledon.

While Williams as the No. 1 seed has a tough quarter to battle through herself, Sharapova's withdrawal means the Russian's quarter is wide open.

So who will benefit the most? If the seeds hold, that would be world No. 7 Ana Ivanovic, who was slated to meet Sharapova in the quarterfinals.

But Ivanovic is a less than reliable performer in women's tennis. The former world No. 1 reached the semifinals at the French Open earlier this year, but has lost before the second week at the majors in six of the last 11 she's played.

Australian Daria Gavrilova, 21, was set to meet Sharapova in the first round, and could make a run herself, the youngster already having made strides on the WTA Tour earlier this year. Sharapova's countrywoman, Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 U.S. Open champion, could also use this as a chance for opportunity, though she hasn't been a strong force on the tour for a number of years.

Sharapova was set to meet another Russian, Ekaterina Makarova, the No. 13 seed and 2014 U.S. Open semifinalist in the fourth round. Former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic, could also benefit. She's seeded to meet Ivanovic in the fourth round.

It's hard to argue that this greatly affects Serena Williams in one way or another. Yes, Sharapova and Williams were seeded to meet in the semifinals, but Williams has won 17 matches in a row against Sharapova, dating to 2005.

Should Williams lose early, however, the beneficiary may be her conqueror. That player would not have to face Sharapova, who has cemented herself as a tough-as-nails competitor, particularly at the majors.

It is also a gigantic blow to the tournament itself, as Sharapova is seen as a ticket seller and TV ratings booster. Though her rivalry with Williams is entirely one-sided, the melodrama surrounding their march toward one another in the draw now will be sorely missed at this U.S. Open, which has already been dominated by Serena's quest for the calendar Grand Slam.

Daria Kasatkina, who is ranked 133rd in the world, is the lucky loser who replaces Sharapova in the draw.

Follow Nick McCarvel on Twitter @NickMcCarvel.