New world number one Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships due to injury.
Williams was among the favourites for the title after replacing Victoria Azarenka at the top of the world rankings on Monday but confirmed her withdrawal due to a lower back problem.
“We were looking forward to seeing Serena play, and are disappointed that this injury has ruled her out,” said tournament director Salah Tahlak.
“We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to hopefully seeing her back in Dubai next year.”
Williams had been due to face France’s Marion Bartoli in the second round. Her withdrawal is a further blow for the tournament organisers after top seed Azarenka was also forced to pull out through injury.
Azarenka took her tally of career titles to 16 with victory over Williams in the Qatar Open final at the weekend, but that was not enough to ensure she could deprive the American of top spot when the new list was published on Monday.
Azarenka, who is unbeaten in 2013, withdrew with a foot problem.
