BIRMINGHAM, England – Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka suffered another blow to her chances of reviving her faltering career when she was forced to withdraw from the Aegon Classic with a left foot injury on Wednesday.
It is similar to the ailment which contributed to Azarenka's fall from the world's top 20 more than 10 months ago, something which has prevented her from adding to her 17 titles in almost two years.
Although the forceful Belarussian is still only 25, with time in which to rebuild a top-level game which has so far earned her two Grand Slam titles, this latest setback will both cast doubt on her chances of doing well at Wimbledon, and add to her long-term worries.
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