World number five Victoria Azarenka has confirmed that she is taking some time off from tennis and will miss the French Open that starts on 25 May, due to a foot injury.
Azarenka played just one match in the last two months because of the injury as the Belarusian missed a number of tournaments, including the Miami Masters, Madrid Open and Rome Masters.
The two-time Australian Open champion last competed in the Indian Wells in early March but crashed out in the second round against America's Lauren Davis.
Azarenka, who had reached the semifinals of the French Open last year, confirmed on her Twitter and Facebook accounts that she is withdrawing from the competition this year.
"Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in Roland Garros this year - one of the greatest tournaments in one of the greatest cities in the world," Azarenka wrote.
"I am working very hard on my recovery and hopefully I will be able to resume practice soon. Thanks to all of you for the support and continues messages on my Facebook and Twitter."
Clay is not a favourite surface for Azarenka as her style makes her an ideal hard-court player but she still managed to advance to the semis last year.
Azarenka's foot injury flared up in the Australian Open during the quarterfinal against Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska. The Belarusian is likely to miss the Wimbledon as well and is expected to make a return in time for the US Open, which starts late August.
Azarenka has become the second top player to miss the French Open, as Indian tennis ace and doubles star Leander Paes is also not competing in the Roland Garros this time. Paes has taken a three-week break from tennis and is working on his fitness in the United States. The three-time champion is expected to make a comeback at the Wimbledon.
