Azarenka injured

ranking this week.
Azarenka, the only unbeaten leading player on the tour this year, beat Williams in three sets in the final of the Qatar Open on Sunday, having played through part of that tournament with painkillers. Now, however, the bruising continues to cause pain in practice and the Belarussian has decided against risking it any further. Last year she also won the Qatar Open and similarly withdrew from the Dubai Open with a foot injury.

Azarenka would have regained the top spot had she won the title this week. Instead Williams is likely to remain number one at least until the Indian Wells tournament next month. — AFP .