By Erik Gudris | Monday, August 15, 2016
Serena Williams withdrew from Cincinnati and that now puts her top ranking potentially within reach of Angelique Kerber.
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Two-time defending champion and top seed Serena Williams withdrew from the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati on Monday as she continues to deal with an ongoing shoulder injury.
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The top seed took a wildcard into the event after her third round loss at the Summer Games in Rio. Williams did practice on site Monday afternoon, but then announced later she had to withdraw.
“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. “My shoulder inflammation continues to be a challenge, but I am anxious to return to the court as soon as possible.”
With Williams out, that now sets up No. 2 seed Angelique Kerber to potentially take over the number one ranking.
Kerber, who claimed the silver medal in Rio, would need to win the Cincinnati title outright in order to pass Williams for the top ranking.
Williams has been ranked at No. 1 for 183 consecutive weeks and 306 overall. Williams is aiming to pass Steffi Graf’s record of being No. 1 for 186 consecutive weeks.
Lucky loser Misaki Doi of Japan will take Williams’s place in the draw.