Serena Williams withdraws from Wuhan and Beijing events due to shoulder problems

Serena Williams has pulled out of the forthcoming WTA Tour events in Wuhan and Beijing due to ongoing shoulder problems.

The 34-year-old has been struggling with inflammation in her right shoulder since winning Wimbledon in July.

She withdrew from tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati and was clearly hampered as the defence of her Olympic title ended in a third-round loss to Elina Svitolina.

Williams was then beaten in the semi-finals of the US Open by Karolina Pliskova and lost her world number one ranking to eventual champion Angelique Kerber.

WTA Stuttgart

'She has the game' - Swiatek ends Raducanu run in Stuttgart, Sabalenka and Gauff stunned

2 hours ago

She said on wtatennis.com: "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder.

"I have been practising and playing but my shoulder is still not fit for tournament play. I am focused on getting ready to compete at the WTA Finals in Singapore."

Serena Williams of the US reacts losing a point against Karolina Pliskova

Image credit: AFP

The WTA Finals, the last event of the regular season, takes place from October 23-30.

Even if Williams does play, the chances of her reclaiming the world number one ranking from Kerber before the end of the year have now diminished significantly.

The American has been dogged by injury and illness in 2016 and has played only eight tournaments, her fewest since 2011.

ATP Barcelona

Tsitsipas goes 'over the limit' to beat Diaz Acosta in Barcelona epic

2 hours ago

ATP Barcelona

Norrie knocked out in Barcelona as 'aggressive' Etcheverry steps up in tie-breaks

9 hours ago

Tennis

Murray steps up rehab with return to court in Wimbledon fitness race

11 hours ago