Seed No.8 Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from her Qatar Total Open semifinal against Garbiñe Muguruza due to a back injury.
Belarus, who won twice in Doha in 2012 and 2013 as well as second place in Lucie Safarova in 2015, were injured when she won a quarter of an hour over No.1 seed Elina Svitolina.
Azarenka said in a press release: “Unfortunately, the pain in my back that I experienced at yesterday ‘s game is not gone enough to enable me to compete tonight. I have to be happy to be back here in Doha this week, and I want to thank the competition and everyone involved in organizing this big event for giving entertain us and make it possible to play at these challenging times.
“I’m really grateful to have received a wild card to compete here this week, and I’m looking forward to being back in Doha again next year. Finally, wish all the best to the remaining players in the draw for the rest of the tournament. “
As a result, the seedless Muguruza will move into its 14th career final and second of 2021 to date. The Spaniard was second to Ashleigh Barty at Yarra Valley Classic a month ago and will be seeking her first title since Monterrey 2019, and first at the 500 / Premier level or higher from Cincinnati 2017.
Muguruza was previously second to Petra Kvitova in Doha in 2018, and will either face a replay with the Czechs or a meeting with qualifier Jessica Pegula in this year’s final.