“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.
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Williams practised on site in OH on Monday morning but afterwards said: “I’m very disappointed I’m not able to compete in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati as I was really looking forward to defending my title”.
‘My shoulder inflammation continues to be a challenge, but I’m am anxious to return on the court as soon as possible’, said Serena through a statement.
Should Angelique Kerber, fresh off a silver medal in Rio, win the tournament, she would overtake Williams as the world’s new No. 1.
Her withdrawal means that she may drop out of the No. 1 world ranking, which has been hers for 183 consecutive weeks, second all time to Steffi Graf’s record of 186.
Williams’ place in the main draw will now go to Misaki Doi of Japan.
However, one advantage for the German is that this will guarantee her the top spot.
Wawrinka has a first-round bye and is scheduled to meet American wild-card entrant Jared Donaldson, who defeated Spain’s Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-6 (2) in a first-round match on Monday.
Christina McHale rounded off the day’s play with a regulation 6-2 6-2 success against qualifier Saisai Zheng. Croatian Donna Vekic shocked newly married former world number one Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-2.
Williams is 33-5 this year in singles competition, winning Wimbledon last month.
Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas beat Californian Sam Querrey 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, finishing just before the rain arrived.
Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov shrugged off a first-round Olympic loss to defeat Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-3 while USA teenager Reilly Opelka put out Jeremy Chardy 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (11/9).
Serena Wiliams has been forced to withdraw from Cincinnati as well.
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This post was syndicated from Punch Newspapers.
