Victoria Azarenka to miss rest of season

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has confirmed that she will miss the rest of the season through injury.

The 25-year-old has played just seven tournaments this year due to recurring foot and knee problems.

Azarenka, who has slipped down to 25th place in the rankings in recent months, now intends to build up her fitness ahead of the 2015 campaign.

"Unfortunately, I will not be competing in any tournaments for the remainder of the season," the two-time Grand Slam champion said in an official statement.

"It has been a very tough year for me. I have been trying my best to improve day-in and day-out by pushing and pushing but that does not appear to be the best approach for me right now. I will use this time to work on making a full recovery and take care of my body to compete at my best next season."

Azarenka's last triumph on the WTA Tour came in August 2013 when she defeated Serena Williams in the final of the Cincinnati Masters.