TORONTO, Canada: Two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the WTA hardcourt tournament in Toronto with a lower back injury, shortly after losing a final in California.
Azarenka, who moved from third to second in the world rankings yesterday, fell 6-2, 6-3 to Australian Samantha Stosur in the final Southern California Open final in Carlsbad.
Toronto organisers, who gave Azarenka a wild card, received the news shortly afterward from the Los Angeles-based player, who met with doctors before making her announcement.
“I’m so disappointed that I can’t make it to Toronto as I added it to my schedule knowing what an important event it is,” Azarenka said in a statement.
“I am sorry to all my Canadian fans and I will work hard to get healthy and back on the courts as soon as possible.”
World number one Serena Williams will headline the event that features some of the top women players. AFP
