Grass is the softest Slam surface, but continues to pose a harsh reality for Maria Sharapova.

The 2004 Wimbledon champion’s losses continue to mount with the sting off suffering.

Federer: Take Time For Tears

Pauline Parmentier held a 4-6, 7-6 (4), 5-0 lead when Sharapova retired from their Wimbledon first-round clash due to left forearm tendinitis.

It is Sharapova's second straight opening-round exit from SW19 following her first-round loss to 132nd-ranked Russian qualifier Vitalia Diatchenko last year. 

Sharapova, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year that sidelined her for nearly six months, has been limited to just 11 matches this year.

"Well, with the shoulder, I mean, it's something that I've had for a long time," Sharapova said. "I thought the last five months I handled well because I knew I was doing the right thing. I was struggling in the Australian, St. Petersburg. I was finishing a match, and I was just not looking at my match, feeling happy winning or playing well.

"I was just thinking what I was going to do later after, in a few weeks, for my shoulder. I think I handled it with a really good perspective. But this is certainly not easy. I got myself to a good enough place to be part of this event, not be out of the draw. But it was obviously not the way that I wanted to perform here."

Since returning from an 18-month doping suspension in 2017, Sharapova has struggled with a series of injuries and to gain traction in majors. Sharapova has played seven Grand Slams since returning from her suspension and has reached just one quarterfinal, at the 2018 Roland Garros.

"I've never taken the easy route," Sharapova said. "I've always worked, committed, focused. Like I said, these moments are hard, but I love what I do. I still have a lot of passion for it."