2nd-ranked Victoria Azarenka withdraws from Dubai Championships with foot injury

Belarus' Victoria Azarenka returns the ball to Serena Williams of the U.S, in the final match of Qatar WTA Ladies Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal) (The Associated Press)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Dubai Championships because of a bone bruise in her foot.

Azarenka says she hurt it a week ago in Doha, Qatar, en route to the final, where she beat Serena Williams.

The withdrawal ensures Williams will remain No. 1 in the rankings for at least another week.