Victoria Azarenka limps out of Indian Wells

Indian Wells: Victoria Azarenka's fighting spirit just wasn't enough as the injured third seed was sent packing from Indian Wells by 66th-ranked American Lauren Davis.

With the world number four from Belarus hobbled by a painful left foot, the 20-year-old Davis triumphed 6-0, 7-6 (7/2).

"Basically all I had was my fighting spirit today," said Azarenka, who was playing her first tournament since a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open.

She had returned to the practice court less than a week earlier, after three weeks in a protective boot.

"I wanted to give my best shot," Azarenka said. "Obviously it was maybe a little bit too early. But I gave a fight. I'm pretty proud of whatever I did today.

"You also have to give her credit," Azarenka said of Davis. "In this situation it's not easy to close the match and she's done it."