Victoria Azarenka faced a tough moment at the Miami Open after suffering a shoulder injury, which required on-court medical attention, and she was seen crying, clearly distressed.
The former world No. 1 had secured a notable first-round victory against Anhelina Kalinina (6-3, 6-1), but her luck ran out in the second round against the 15th seed Karolina Muchova, where she could barely finish the first set (0-6) before retiring from the match.
The 2-time Grand Slam champion ended up crying out in pain after an exchange in which it appeared she dislocated her shoulder. At the moment of the injury, Azarenka immediately threw her racket after a forehand stroke at the start of the first set.
It was a heartbreaking injury that forced her to retire precisely when she had come into the second round with confidence. Her opponent, Karolina Muchova, quickly approached Azarenka on the other side of the court to check on the Belarusian, who had to be attended to at the baseline and was unable to even leave the court to receive further medical attention.
Once Azarenka confirmed her retirement and was escorted off the court, the Czech player showed great sportsmanship by helping her with her bag as she left the court. Muchova advances to the third round, where she will face the winner of the match between Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina (22nd seed).
Sad scenes in Miami.
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) March 21, 2025
Victoria Azarenka crying while leaning against the wall.
Looks like she has dislocated her shoulder.
Physio back again on court and sat her down on a chair.
Karolina Muchova up 6-0 (40-40) pic.twitter.com/o55lxSHPRl
Lending a hand 💚
— wta (@WTA) March 21, 2025
After Azarenka is forced to retire due to injury, Karolina Muchova assists with her bags.
Final Score: 6-0, RET. pic.twitter.com/8RYhOoUHDg