World No.8 Victoria Azarenka, champion at last week’s Sony Ericsson Open, has withdrawn from the April 11-19 Family Circle Cup due to a shoulder injury.

Azarenka didn’t offer details on her right shoulder injury, but said she regrets having to skip the tournament.

"I was looking forward to returning to Charleston and building on the momentum that I have from the past few weeks. I am looking forward to returning to Charleston in 2010," said the 19-year-old Belorussian.

The tournament will feature other tennis stars such as world No.1 and defending champion Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva, Venus Williams, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva, and Nadia Petrova. (via On the Baseline, photo: Ralf Reinecke)

Seed No.11 Victoria Azarenka upset world No.1 and top seed Serena Williams 6-3 6-1 to claim the biggest title in her career.

The 19-year-old Belorussian denied the American a record sixth Sony Ericsson Open title and at the same time became only the sixth teenage champion in tournament history, joining Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Steffi Graf, Venus Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Williams gave Azarenka credit for winning the final, even though Williams’ left thigh was heavily strapped and she was struggling with her movement. I agree that Azarenka's capability shouldn't be denied, especially when we have in mind their last meeting, when Azarenka had to retire because of very evident illness, despite taking the first set.

The Belorussian won her first WTA singles title three months ago in Brisbane, and has now already added the third one to her resume.

Currently at the career high ranking of No.10, Azarenka will rise even more, to a career best No.8. Williams will remain No.1.

Winning the Sony Ericsson Open Azarenka earned $700,000 and Williams received $350,000. (photo via Sky Sports)

Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka will play each other for the third time in their careers and the second time in 2009 to fight for the Sony Ericsson Open title.

The 19-year-old Azarenka was the first to reach the final, beating Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semis. Serena Williams joined the world No.10 after winning the 20th career encounter with sister Venus 6-4 3-6 6-3.

It will be very interesting to see this final, as Azarenka could make a big breakthrough by defeating the top-ranked player in the world, the defending champion and also the five-time Miami titlist in the biggest final of her career.

Also, remember this year’s Australian Open? Azerenka and Williams met in the fourth round, with Azarenka winning the first set, but having to retire in the second due to dizziness and illness. The Belorussian was playing superbly and was capable of pulling off an upset, but she was so sick that she almost collapsed on court. Therefore, the Sony Ericsson Open final is a great second chance for Azarenka.

Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten that should Serena claim her sixth Sony Ericsson Open title, she will make a record. At five, the American is currently equaled with Steffi Graf. (photos: Ralf Reinecke)

Belorussian Victoria Azarenka defeated world No.8 Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-3 2-6 7-5 in the Sony Ericsson Open semifinals and is now one victory away from winning her third WTA singles title, and at the same time her third WTA singles title of the season (the first two are Brisbane and Memphis).

"It's really big, because it's first final in such a big tournament for me. It's the biggest moment, I would say, in my career," said Azarenka after reaching her first Premier final on the WTA Tour.

The 2006 Sony Ericsson Open champion Kuznetsova, who won her last title in August 2007 at New Haven, was contesting her first semifinal in 2009.

The 19-year-old Azarenka, the fresh member of the Top 10, will face one of the Williams sisters in the Miami final. (source: Sony Ericsson Open, photo: Ralf Reinecke)

Victoria Azarenka has become the second Belorussian player to enter the Top 10 in the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings, after Natasha Zvereva in the 1980s.

The 19-year-old Azarenka reached the semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open in singles, while in doubles she won the title with Russian Vera Zvonareva, who was the eventual singles champion. These results enabled Azarenka to become a Top 10 singles player for the first time. Simultaneously, winning her second doubles title of the year, Azarenka climbed from No.18 to No.10 in doubles.

The Belorussian is the only teenage player within the Top 10. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)