No.1 ranking on the line as Serena withdraws

The Cincinnati women’s event lost its biggest name when Serena Williams was a late withdrawal on Monday.

But this has added a layer of intrigue to the prestigious US Open tune-up – her No.1 ranking is up for grabs.

Second-ranked Angelique Kerber could take over top spot if she wins the tournament, snapping Williams’ uninterrupted 183-week reign at the top of the mountain.

This would be less than ideal for Williams, who is just three weeks shy of Steffi Graf’s all-time record of 186 weeks at world No.1.

Williams, who won the 2015 title over Simona Halep, cited shoulder inflammation as the reason for her withdrawal.

“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. My shoulder inflammation continues to be a challenge, but I am anxious to return to the court as soon as possible,” she explained in a statement.

It is the same ailment that forced her withdrawal from Montreal’s Coupe Rogers, the week before the Olympics.

The American, a late wildcard entry into Cincinnati after falling in the third round of the Olympic Tennis Event to Elina Svitolina, is replaced by Misaki Doi.

Kerber arrives in Ohio after a silver medal-winning run in Rio, another great result in a career-best season that also includes her victory at the Australian Open and runner-up finish at Wimbledon.