Former world number one confirms she will be out with injury for ‘a bit of time’ after suffering issue in Miami

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As the 2025 Miami Open draws to a close, one player looks ahead to the long road back from injury.

The stars of the WTA Tour traveled to Florida with dreams of lifting the title in the Sunshine State, but just two players remain in the draw.

Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka will compete for the Miami Open title on Saturday, as both players search for their maiden victories at the tournament.

The Belarussian has won her previous two ‘big’ finals against Pegula, taking her down in Cincinnati and at the US Open last year.

While Sabalenka enjoys another strong tournament, her countrywoman is unlikely to reflect on her time in Miami with the same positivity.

Victoria Azarenka confirms she will be out for ‘a bit of time’ after sustaining injury at the Miami Open

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka recently took to X to update fans on her health after picking up an injury in her second-round match.

“Quick update on my injury: I’ve been working through the diagnosis and have now officially started rehab and training,” she said.

“The good news is there’s no long-term damage, but it will still take a bit of time to recover fully.

“I really appreciate all the messages and support – it means a lot.

“Thank you also to my opponent, Karolina [Muchova], for being so kind and gracious.

“Injuries are, unfortunately, part of what we do, and while this is a setback, I’m focused on overcoming the challenge, putting in the work, and seeing where the journey leads.”

Trailing her Czech opponent, 0-6, Azarenka injured her shoulder while returning a serve from Muchova during the first game of the second set.

Classy as ever, Muchova comforted the Belarussian before helping take her bags off of the court as she retired from the match.

Advancing to the third round, Muchova took on Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, battling it out over three sets.

The 28-year-old dropped the first set 2-6 but battled back in the second, winning 6-3, sending the tie to a decider.

In the end, it was Svitolina who advanced, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, booking her spot in the last 16, where she lost to Iga Swiatek.

Aryna Sabalenka bids to become the first Belarussian woman since Victoria Azarenka to win the Miami Open

Sabalenka could become the second Belarussian woman to win the Miami Open title on Saturday if she beats Pegula in the final.

The first was none other than Azarenka, who secured three victories in Florida between 2009 and 2016.

• 2009 Miami Open F – Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams, 6-3, 6-1
• 2011 Miami Open F – Victoria Azarenka beat Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-4
• 2016 Miami Open F – Victoria Azarenka beat Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-3, 6-2

Azarenka’s win over Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2016 saw her complete the Sunshine Double, having beaten Serena Williams at Indian Wells earlier in the month.

The Belarussian won more matches in Miami than at any other WTA 1000 tournament, often reaching the latter stages of the event.

In contrast, Sabalenka had struggled in Miami before making a run to the 2025 final, winning just eight of her first 14 matches at the tournament.

Sabalenka lost before the quarter-final stage on several occasions as she failed to make an impact in the Sunshine State.

• 2024 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in 3R to Paula Badosa, 4-6, 3-6
• 2023 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in QF to Sorana Cirstea, 4-6, 4-6
• 2022 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in 2R to Irina-Camelia Begu, 4-6, 4-6
• 2021 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in QF to Ash Barty, 4-6, 7-6, 3-6
• 2019 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in 2R to Ajla Tomljanovic, 3-6, 4-6
• 2018 Miami Open – Aryna Sabalenka lost in 2R to Petra Kvitova, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6

Having already scored her career-best result at the Miami Open, Sabalenka will no doubt hope to go all the way by beating Pegula in Saturday’s final.