Victoria Azarenka has confirmed that she will miss the Sony Open next week due to an ongoing battle with a foot injury.
The 24-year-old has been struggling with the problem for most of the season and claimed that she was still short of full fitness after being knocked out of the BNP Paribas Open by Lauren Davis at Indian Wells.
"I am very sad not to be able to compete at this year's Sony Open in Miami," Azarenka revealed to members of the press. "I love playing in the US and my results in the past were also great. But it's been now over a year that it seems that bad luck has been following me.
"It is time for me to think about my recovery and I will work hard for that. I wish the tournament all the best for this 2014 edition. Miami is an amazing place and a great tournament. I hope to be there next year fully recovered and able to be competing for the title."
Azarenka picked up the injury prior to the Australian Open in January.
Callum Mulvihill
