World No.1 Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from her scheduled semifinal clash with Serena Williams citing a right big toe injury.
The Belarusian said she was disappointed she could not take to the court tonight but felt it was something she had to do to have recovered in time to defend her Australian Open title.
“Victoria has been nursing this injury for the past 10 days and it has continued to deteriorate to a point where she is unable to take to the court tonight,” tournament director Cameron Pearson said.
“We wish her all the best with her recovery and we hope to see her in Melbourne to defend her Australian Open title.”
Serena Williams will now await the winner of the semifinal between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Lesia Tsurenko in the final.