Posted: Fri February 8, 2013 8:36AM; Updated: Fri February 8, 2013 8:36AM

Li Na pulls out of Qatar Open with ankle injury

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Li Na
Li Na lost in the final of the Australian Open to Victoria Azarenka.
David Callow/SI

DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Li Na has pulled out of next week's Qatar Open because of the ankle injury she sustained in the Australia Open final.

Qatar organizers say Timea Babos will replace Li in the main draw.

Li injured her left ankle during her three-set loss to Victoria Azarenka in the Australian final.

Venus Williams withdrew from the Qatar tournament earlier this week, citing back trouble.

The Qatar field still features nine of the top 10 players in the women's rankings.

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