Tough luck fro the top 2 seeds in Dubai.
Azarenka had to retire from the tournament because of an injury to her right foot, then it was Serena to widraw because of a back injury. Probably the same back injury she suffered from when she lost to Sloane Stephens at the Australian Open.
Serena will still remain world no.1 at least till the next tournament in Miami.
Bartoil will take advantage of a retiring Serena to get to the quarterfinals to play Caroline Wozniacki (6-0 6-1 on Zheng). Head to Head is 5-2 for Caroline.