Serena Williams’ three-year reign as world No.1 could come to an end by next week after she withdrew from the Western & Southern Open due to a shoulder injury.
Two-time champion Williams was originally awarded a wildcard into the event following her shock loss to Elina Svitolina at the Olympic Games in Rio. The 34-year-old has now pulled out of the event due to an ongoing shoulder problem that has been troubling her in recent time. Prior to the Olympic Games, she was also forced to withdraw from the Canadian Open due to the same issue.
“I’m very disappointed I’m not able to compete in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, as I was really looking forward to defending my title,” Williams said in a statement to the tournament. “My shoulder inflammation continues to be a challenge, but I am anxious to return to the court as soon as possible.”
Since winning her 22nd grand slam title at the Wimbledon Championships, Williams have only been able to win two matches. It is understood that she opted to skip Cincinnati to prevent the risk of further injury ahead of her next scheduled tournament, the US Open.
The withdrawal could result in Williams being dethroned from the top of the rankings for the first time since February 2013. Germany’s Angelique Kerber will become the new world No.1 if she wins the title in Cincinnati. There are currently 1575 points separating the two players in the rankings. This week there are 1000 points on offer for the winner at the Western & Southern Open and Williams will lose points for not being able to defend her title.
Replacing Williams in the main draw will be Japan’s Misaki Doi.
