Injury-hit Serena Williams set to relinquish No.1 rank to Angelique Kerber
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Serena Williams, who has been forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open due to an injured left knee, is set to be toppled from the top by Angelique Kerber in the WTA rankings. Serena has said in a statement that she has been unable to train due to her injury.
The American legend returned to the top of the WTA rankings after winning her 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. However, it seems like Serena Williams will be out of action for while after withdrawing from the event in Indian Wells, which has won twice in the past, and the Miami Open, which she has lifted eight times.
"Sadly, I have to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
"I have not been able to train due to my knees and am disappointed I cannot be there. I will keep moving forward and continue to be positive. I look forward to being back as soon as I can," Williams said on the BNP Paribas Open's website on Tuesday.Ā
Serena needed to reach at least the semis of the Indian Wells, in order to retain her number one ranking. Her withdrawal implies thatĀ Angelique Kerber will replace her as world number one.
