AFP, Wuhan :
New world number one Angelique Kerber is set to strengthen her grip on the top position at a star-studded Wuhan Open this week after Serena Williams pulled out with a shoulder injury.
Kerber, 28, ascended to the top of the rankings at the US Open, ending Williams’ 186 consecutive week run as world number one-a record she shares with Steffi Graff.
The German looks set to maintain her hold on the number one spot after the veteran American bowed out of the tournament-and the China Open in Beijing the following week-citing an ongoing shoulder problem.
It is the second consecutive year that Williams has been a no show at Wuhan and the China Open.
With Williams staying off the court, the German now has a year-end run as world number one firmly in her sights, capping off a glittering year.
Long established in the top 10, with 10 WTA titles to her name, the 28-year-old had never made it to a Grand Slam final until she swept the crown in Australia at the start of the year.
She then reached the final of Wimbledon, but lost to Williams, before taking a silver medal in Rio.
The German claimed her second Gland Slam title of the year at Flushing Meadows earlier this month in a gritty three-set thriller against Czech Karolina Pliskova.
Wuhan may be the scene for a rematch between Kerber and world number six Pliskova, who are at opposite ends of the draw and could meet in the final.
