Serena Williams has withdrawn from this week’s BNP Paribas Open and the upcoming Miami Open, so her absence will hand Angelique Kerber a comeback to the top of the WTA rankings on March 20.
Citing a left knee injury, Williams pulled out of Indian Wells without playing a single match and she won’t be ready to play Miami either.
I have not been able to train due to my knees. I am disappointed I cannot be there. I will keep moving forward, continue to be positive. I look forward to being back.
Williams had regained her No.1 ranking following a historic triumph at the 2017 Australian Open, but hasn’t played a single match as a top-ranked player in this last stretch. (photo: Jimmie48)
Get well soon Serena.
Why does it matter or not if she’s able to train adequately or not considering she’s the one person whom has stated that she doesn’t require much practice or to play any warm up events in order to play at her top level? Anyhow, I don’t think it mattered either which way the rankings went because once Pliskova wins this current “Paribas Open” tournament down in Indian Wells, California plus wins the upcoming Miami Open tournament championship title as well then she’s going to secure the No. #1 ranking spot for herself and it’s going to remain hers for quite a long time afterwards.
“but hasn’t won a single match as a top-ranked player in this last stretch.”…..shouldn’t that comment be “she hasn’t PLAYED any match since regaining the top-ranked spot”?….Saying she hasn’t won a single match kinda could imply that she played and lost. Nothing wrong with being accurate.
FoxyCleopatra, you’re absolutely right! I’ve fixed that now.