Maria Sharapova knocked out of Wimbledon

LONDON — Third seed and 2004 champion Maria Sharapova crashed out of Wimbledon at the second round stage on Wednesday, losing 6-3, 6-4 to Portuguese qualifier Michelle Larcher De Brito, the world number 131.

Sharapova’s defeat came just hours after second seed Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the tournament with a knee injury.

Larcher De Brito goes on to face Karin Knapp of Italy for a place in the last 16.