Injury hits Serena's Dubai hopes

New world number one Serena Williams will miss the Dubai Tennis Championships this week because of a lower back injury.

The 31-year-old American, who has become the oldest woman to be ranked No 1 in the world following her march to the Qatar Open final, is the second high-profile player to withdraw after Victoria Azarenka was also forced to pull out through injury. The Belarusian had been struggling with a foot problem on her way to winning last weekend's Qatar Open against Williams, who still jumped above her into top spot in the rankings when they were published on Monday. "We were looking forward to seeing Serena play, and are disappointed that this injury has ruled her out," said tournament director Salah Tahlak on Williams' withdrawl. "We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to hopefully seeing her back in Dubai next year." With no Williams and Azarenka in Dubai, third seed and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska will now fancy her chances of retaining her title this weekend.