By Chris Oddo | Thursday, February 6, 2014
Victoria Azarenka announced her withdrawal from the Qatar Total Open in Doha, citing an injured foot.
Photo Source: Corleve
World No. 2 Victoria Azarenka has announced her withdrawal from next week's Qatar Total Open in Doha.
Azarenka, the two-time defending champion at the event, will likely drop to No. 3 in the rankings, as Li Na needs only to play to climb past Azarenka and into the No. 2 spot.
Azarenka has had a history of foot issues, but her current injury doesn't appear to be related to her injury troubles in 2013. Last season, Azarenka withdrew from Brisbane due to an issue on her right foot, related to a bad pedicure. She also withdrew from Dubai a month later, with a bone bruise, also in her right foot.
According to tennis insider Matt Cronin, the pain in Azarenka's left foot began to bother her this year at the Australian Open.
"I am sorry I can't make it to Doha for the Qatar Total Open, but unfortunately I haven't been able to recover on time from my ongoing foot injury,” Azarenka said in a statement. “I am thankful to all my fans in Doha and I look forward to coming back next year. I wish the best of luck to the tournament and hope that fans enjoy watching the other players that will be coming to that great event."