World number one and defending champion Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells through injury.
The Belarusian was due to play Caroline Wozniacki in the quarter-finals on Thursday night before she pulled out of the tournament with a foot problem.
"It's a right foot injury, and there is a big inflammation in both and tendinitis," Azarenka said in a statement.
"Around tendinitis, there is a big inflammation which keeps bothering one part or another. I mean, it cannot get better with me playing on it, especially playing last three matches on it. It's just worse."
The news comes after Samantha Stosur was forced to miss her last-eight tie against Angelique Kerber with a strained calf.
Kerber and Wozniacki will now meet for a place in the final.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
