World No. 3 Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the 2013 Sony Open before her opening match on Friday because of a lingering right ankle injury.
The same injury forced Azarenka to withdraw before her quarterfinal match a week ago at Indian Wells because of inflammation and tendinitis.
Azarenka has a 17-0 record this year with two titles. She’s withdrawn from three tournaments, including the Australian Open before the semifinals because of a right toe injury.
Azarenka said: “I am very disappointed that I am unable to compete this year in Miami. This is one of my favorite events and the Miami fans are always supportive. I have been working very hard to rehab my ankle this week but unfortunately it is still not fit to play. I look forward to returning next year.”
She was replaced by lucky loser Lauren Davis of the United States. The 19-year-old Davis proved a worthy stand-in for the No. 2 seed as a lucky loser entry, outlasting Boca Raton’s Madison Keys 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7) in a 2-hour, 43-minute second-round match on the Stadium Court at Crandon Park Tennis Center.
