Fears about the condition of Serena Williams’ right shoulder were somewhat allayed on Thursday as the World No. 1 accepted a wild card to play next week’s Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
Williams is the defending champion at the event. She currently holds the advantage over No.2-ranked Angelique Kerber by 1,980 rankings points. Williams is defending 1000 points in Cincinnati, while Kerber is defending only 1 point after losing in the first round to Belinda Bencic last season.
Williams, who fell in straight sets in the round of 16 to Elina Svitolina at the Rio Olympics, appeared to be struggling with a right shoulder issue in the match. She has made no public statements about the injury.